bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychographic segmentation of the self-employed: An exploratory study
Authors: Kenney Matthew G. , Weinstein Art
Published: January 2018

Although it is well established in the academic literature that entrepreneurs share common traits, there has been limited research dedicated to evaluating psychographic profiles of the self-employed. Using the Nominal Group Technique, the authors gleaned insight from a panel of experts in an effort to segment the self-employed based on personality traits and the benefits they receive from an entrepreneurial career. The findings show that self-employed individuals can be classified into four distinct segments: Exemplars, Generals, Moms and Dads, and Altruists. Each group derives different benefits from self-employment. Understanding these benefits can greatly assist entrepreneurship educators and marketers of small business oriented products and services.
Strategic relationships in a small business context: The impact of information quality and continuous quality improvement
Authors: Harris Michael L. , McDowell William C. , Gibson Shanan G.
Published: January 2018

This study examines the performance between operational variables for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the context of interorganizational relationships. Specifically, it investigates the role of information quality and continuous quality improvement and the varying importance that SMEs place on each of these constructs. The sample consists of 134 vendors of a large university in the southwestern region of the United States.The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between information quality and continuous quality improvement with performance in SMEs. Implications for both research and practice, as well as ideas for future research, are discussed.
Effects of participation in paid membership organizations on entrepreneurial success
Authors: Masterfano Michele K.
Published: January 2018

Research into entrepreneurial networking activities has ignored an aspect that is important to the entrepreneurs‐does it make sense to pay dues to an organization that promises networking opportunities to help build their business? This study looked at that aspect of networking by comparing revenue growth rates and average number of employees between those businesses whose owners belong to paid membership organizations and those who do not. No differences were found between the two groups of entrepreneurial firms. While there are still benefits to joining these organizations, entrepreneurs should not expect to grow their business because of membership.
Varieties of bricolage and the process of entrepreneurship
Authors: Vanevenhoven Jeff , Winkel Doan , Malewicki Debra , Dougan William L. , Bronson James
Published: January 2018

We offer a theoretical account of how two types of bricolage influence the entrepreneurial process. The first type involves social relationships or physical or functional assets, and thus pertains to an entrepreneurʼs external resources used in the instantiation of operations of a new venture. The second type pertains to an entrepreneurʼs internal resources‐experiences, credentials, knowledge, and certifications‐which the entrepreneur appropriates, assembles, modifies and deploys in the presentation of a narrative about the entrepreneurial process. We argue that both types of bricolage are essential to the success of a venturing attempt.
No exit? Trying to salvage D&H management LLC: Parts A and B
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Dinur Adva , Rowley Daniel
Published: January 2018

In this two-part case, Richard Davis and Stephen Hodgetts, co-owners of D&H Management LLC, are trying to come to terms with changes in the real estate market‐changes that have made their rental homes worth less than their mortgages and at best yielding at most a break-even cash flow. In Part A Davis and Hodgetts are weighing the following options: (1) sell all of the properties, assume a loss (walk away with nothing), and avoid the negative cash flow; (2) walk away from all of the properties, assume a loss (walk away with nothing), and avoid the negative cash flow; (3) delay paying the mortgage on some of the homes, allow these properties, if necessary, to go into foreclosure, and in the interim use the positive cash flow to shore up some of the more positive cash flow homes; (4) contact all of the lenders and try to renegotiate the mortgages so as to have lower monthly rates.

In Part B Davis proposes that he and Hodgetts go their separate ways. Davis walks away with the two properties that have mortgages in his name, while Hodgetts obtains the four properties that have mortgages in his. From Hodgettsʼ perspective this is a losing proposition since (1) he would have to take over the management of four “loser” properties rather than Davisʼs two, an ʼunfairʼ split of the liabilities; (2) he had no interest in managing properties; and (3) he and Davis would be splitting up a long-standing team.
Signaling, resource-based power, and pre-IPO organizational change
Authors: Pearlstein John S. , Hamilton Robert D.
Published: January 2018

The theory presented suggests that underwriters are both advisors and independent agents in the issuerʼs attempt to send “signals” of quality to investors by making pre-IPO organizational changes. These pre-IPO gambits are intended to increase IPO proceeds, and preemptively address potential investor concerns that would deter them from subscribing. These organizational changes initially can financially benefit founders, early investors and underwriters. But they can also have a longterm impact that some issuers, especially founders, would prefer to avoid. Utilizing signaling and resource-based power, we find that underwriter power is significantly associated with making pre-IPO gambits and lower levels of underpricing.
AdRoll: A case study of entrepreneurial growth
Authors: Finkle Todd A.
Published: January 2018

This case study examines the background, start up, and growth of one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States, AdRoll. It explores the various strategic factors related to the growth of AdRoll and how these issues must be addressed in order to maintain its level of growth.This case study is especially interesting not only because it focuses on one of the fastest-growing firms in the country, but also because it addresses on an understudied topic within the field of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial growth.
Increased expression of PRKCB mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhu Zhengwei , Yang Lulu , Zhang Yaohua , Liu Lu , Huang Yan , Wen Leilei , Yang Chao , Chen Liyun , Wang Wenjun , Zuo Xianbo , Zhou Fusheng , Wang Hongyan , Tang Huayang , Zhang Xuejun , Yang Sen , Sheng Yujun , Cui Yong
Published: January 2018

The polymorphism of PRKCB has been proven to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in our previous study. We aimed to investigate the relationship between expression of PRKCB mRNA and the Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and manifestations of SLE. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was applied to examine the expression of PRKCB mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 60 patients with SLE and 62 controls. The Sequenom MassArray System was used to detect genotype SNP rs16972959. The expression levels of PRKCB mRNA in SLE cases were significantly increased compared with those in healthy controls (P < 0.001). In addition, PRKCB mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with the SLEDAI (P < 0.05, r = –0.322), with lower mRNA expression levels of PRKCB in patients found with higher SLEDAI, presence of a new rash (P < 0.01), and proteinuria (P < 0.05). No association evidence was observed between the genotype of the variant rs16972959 and PRKCB mRNA expression levels; however, SNP rs16972959 was found to be an expression quantitative trait loci for PRKCB with the SLE risk allele correlated with increased expression in naïve monocytes (PFDR = 9.12 × 10–13) and stimulated monocytes (9.24 × 10–6 > PFDR > 2.75 × 10–17). On the other hand, SNP rs16972959 of PRKCB was found to have suggestive significant associations with vasculitis (P = 0.00718) of SLE. These results indicated that expression of PRKCB mRNA may be correlated with the pathogenesis of SLE; however, more investigation is still needed.
Calibration of redox potential in sperm wash media and evaluation of oxidation–reduction potential values in various assisted reproductive technology culture media using MiOXSYS system
Authors: Panner Selvam M. K. , Henkel R. , Sharma R. , Agarwal A.
Published: January 2018

Oxidation–reduction potential describes the balance between the oxidants and antioxidants in fluids including semen. Various artificial culture media are used in andrology and IVF laboratories for sperm preparation and to support the development of fertilized oocytes under in vitro conditions. The composition and conditions of these media are vital for optimal functioning of the gametes. Currently, there are no data on the status of redox potential of sperm processing and assisted reproduction media. The purpose of this study was to compare the oxidation–reduction potential values of the different media and to calibrate the oxidation–reduction potential values of the sperm wash medium using oxidative stress inducer cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid. Redox potential was measured in 10 different media ranging from sperm wash media, freezing media and assisted reproductive technology one‐step medium to sequential media. Oxidation–reduction potential values of the sequential culture medium and one‐step culture medium were lower and significantly different (p < 0.05) from the sperm wash media. Calibration of the sperm wash media using the oxidant cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid demonstrated that oxidation–reduction potential and the concentration of oxidant or antioxidant are logarithmically dependent. This study highlights the importance of calibrating the oxidation–reduction potential levels of the sperm wash media in order to utilize it as a reference value to identify the physiological range of oxidation–reduction potential that does not have any adverse effect on normal physiological sperm function.
Soil properties and neighbouring forest cover affect above‐ground biomass and functional composition during tropical forest restoration
Authors: Toledo Renato Miazaki , Santos Rozely Ferreira , Baeten Lander , Perring Michael P. , Verheyen Kris
Published: January 2018

Questions

We studied the importance of soil properties and neighbouring forest cover in affecting plant community biomass and assembly during the tropical forest restoration process. We also investigated how compositional responses depended on traits expected to influence individual success.

Location

Forest restoration sites across anthropogenic grasslands in mixed use agricultural watersheds, eastern São Paulo state, Brazil.

Methods

We identified and measured all woody individuals (DBH ≥ 5 cm) in four 200‐m² plots per site. Then we translated these measurements into above‐ground biomass (AGB), and related AGB variability to neighbouring forest cover, soil texture and chemical fertility using mixed effect models. We assessed the effect of these predictors on different species groups, arranged according to variation in wood density, tree height or habitat selectivity, through multivariate abundance models.

Results

AGB ranged between 0 and 104.7 t/ha (median of 10.4 t/ha), with high variation within, as well as between, watersheds. Sand percentage, forest cover and the interaction between soil nutrient concentrations and sand percentage were good predictors of measured AGB. The most parsimonious model projected a seven growing seasons AGB recovery of 70.90 t/ha, when a site is on fertile soils with 10% sand and surrounded by forest cover of 50%. In contrast, only 5.24 t/ha is predicted on acidic‐poor soils with 67% sand and 0% forest cover. Increasing forest cover favoured smaller trees and habitat generalists while increasing sand percentage inhibited taller species and forest specialists. Sand percentage constrained softwoods in fertile soils.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that the likelihood of restoration to pre‐disturbance conditions is constrained in contexts of higher degradation, such as when agricultural use adversely affects soil properties and/or motivates extreme deforestation. Lower AGB found on sandy soils suggests that forest recovery is sensitive to local drought intensification. Given regional projections for extended dry seasons, restoration approaches could consider targeting alternative reference states, rather than historical/undisturbed ones, under highly altered environments, while aiming to improve soil and microclimate conditions to allow moist tropical forest recovery where feasible.
The impact of donor liver allograft fibrosis on patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Wadhera Vikram , Harimoto Norifumi , Lubezky Nir , Gomatos Ilias , Facciuto Matias , Gonzalez David , Stueck Ashley , Fiel Maria Isabel , Schiano Thomas , Facciuto Marcelo E.
Published: January 2018

Background

The utilization of extended criteria liver allografts (ECD) shortens time to transplantation.

Objective

To characterize the effect of liver allograft fibrosis on graft and patient survival after liver transplantation (LT), with particular attention to fibrosis progression.

Methods

Retrospective database search of donor and recipient liver allograft histology of liver transplants performed between 2007 and 2011. Donor and patient characteristics were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and one patients underwent LT with donor liver allografts with early‐stage fibrosis (stage 1 fibrosis and stage 2 fibrosis). The level of liver fibrosis did not progress in 40% of the patients tested, and there was a regression of fibrosis in 30%. At a median follow‐up of 71 months, of 101 patients transplanted with fibrotic livers, 63 patients (63%) were alive with functioning initial grafts, six patients (6%) were retransplanted, and 35 patients expired. The graft survival rates were 82% and 69% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Graft survival differences were not found to be statistically significant between the degrees of liver allograft fibrosis: 5‐year graft survival (73% for stage 1 fibrosis and 62% for stage 2 fibrosis, P = .24). The entire fibrosis group was further compared with a control group of 208 consecutive primary liver transplant patients with allografts having no fibrosis. The 5‐year graft survival was not significantly different between the groups (69% for the fibrosis group vs 75% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .19). Survival was also not statistically different between the groups (5‐year survival of 73% for the fibrosis group vs 79% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .2). In patients with HCV, graft survival differences were not found to be statistically significant with the use of early‐stage fibrotic livers: 5‐year graft survival of 60% for fibrosis group vs 70% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .22).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that allografts with early‐stage fibrosis achieve acceptable long‐term survival after liver transplantation. Given these preliminary results, the use of organs with early‐stage fibrosis warrants further studies at a larger scale to validate these results.
The impact of kidney donor profile index on delayed graft function and transplant outcomes: A single‐center analysis
Authors: Zens Tiffany J. , Danobeitia Juan S. , Leverson Glen , Chlebeck Peter J. , Zitur Laura J. , Redfield Robert R. , D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Odorico Scott , Kaufman Dixon B. , Fernandez Luis A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Renal transplant outcomes result from a combination of factors. Traditionally, donor factors were summarized by classifying kidneys as extended criteria or standard criteria. In 2014, the nomenclature changed to describe donor factors with the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). We aim to evaluate the relationship between KDPI and delayed graft function (DGF), and the impact KDPI on transplant outcomes for both donor after cardiac death (DCD) and donor after brain death (DBD).

Methods

An IRB‐approved single‐center retrospective chart review was performed from January 1999 to July 2013. The patients were divided into six groups: DBD KDPI ≤60, DBD KPDI 61‐84, DBD KDPI ≥85, DCD KDPI ≤60, DCD KPDI 61‐84, and DCD KDPI ≥85. Rates of DGF, patient survival, and graft survival were examined among groups.

Results

A total of 2161 kidney transplants were included. DGF rates increased, and graft and patient survival decreased with increasing KDPI (P < .001). DCD kidneys had higher DGF rates than their DBD counterparts (P < .001). In DCD kidneys, a higher KDPI score did not significantly affect the DGF rates (P > .302). There was no significant difference in graft or patient survival in all‐comers when comparing DCD and DBD kidneys with equivalent KDPIs (P > .317). Patients with DGF across all categories demonstrated worse graft half‐lives.

Conclusion

The KDPI system is an accurate predictor of donor contributions to transplant outcomes. Recipients of DBD kidneys experience an increase in the rate of DGF as their KDPI increases. DCD kidneys have higher DGF rates than their DBD counterparts with similar KDPIs. Patients with documented post‐transplant DGF had between 3‐ and 5‐year shorter graft half‐lives when compared to recipients that did not experience DGF. Initiatives to reduce the rate of DGF could provide a significant impact on graft survival and result in a reduction in the number of patients requiring retransplant.
Genetic diversity of apple‐ and crabapple‐infecting isolates of Venturia inaequalis in Pennsylvania, the United States, determined by microsatellite markers
Authors: Sitther V. , Garrido Haro P. A. , Molineros J. E. , Garzon C. D. , Jiménez‐Gasco M. M.
Published: January 2018

Apple scab caused by Venturia inaequalis is the most destructive disease of apple worldwide. In this study, genetic diversity of 101 V. inaequalis isolates from cultivated apples and ornamental crabapples in Pennsylvania (PA, USA) was characterized using 14 microsatellite markers. A total of 157 alleles ranging from 5 (Vitg9/99) to 26 (Vica10/154) per locus were detected. Regardless of the host of origin, isolates were grouped into five clusters, which were largely supported by STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis. Cluster analyses based on genetic distances and population structure analysis suggest very small differentiation (PhiPT ranging from 0.016 to 0.103, depending on the population comparison) between apple and crabapple isolates of V. inaequalis. Pairwise comparisons among populations from different locations showed very low differentiation, and POPGENE analysis indicated frequent migration of alleles (Nm = 1.47). In pathogenicity tests using a detached leaf assay, isolates of V. inaequalis from crabapple caused characteristic scab symptoms on apple and were highly virulent. Results of the study indicate that scab lesions in crabapple trees in close vicinity to apple orchards could serve as reservoirs for spread of the pathogen. Movement of inoculum among locations and between hosts may be responsible for the limited population structure observed. Understanding the population structure of V. inaequalis isolates is significant for apple scab management as crabapples are often used as pollinizers and rootstock in apple orchards, and as ornamental trees.
Habitat use and movement patterns of small (age‐0) juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) relative to the Kuroshio
Authors: Fujioka Ko , Fukuda Hiromu , Furukawa Seishiro , Tei Yaoki , Okamoto Suguru , Ohshimo Seiji
Published: January 2018

The habitat use of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis; PBF) in nursery waters off the southern coast of Japan was investigated using archival tags over a 3 year study period (2012–2015), and the data were used to examine the free‐ranging habitat preferences of PBF and the relationship between their horizontal movements and the path of the Kuroshio off the Pacific coast of Japan. The path of the Kuroshio fluctuated seasonally, leading to changes in water temperature that strongly influenced the habitat use of small PBF (2–3 months after hatching). Most PBF were present in coastal waters inshore of the path of the current, and their habitat use changed in response to the distance of the current from the coast. The Kuroshio typically flowed along the coast from summer to autumn, and PBF remained in the coastal waters off Kochi Prefecture during this period. In contrast, PBF quickly moved eastward in winter when the current moved away from the coast. Throughout the winter and spring, the area of habitat use extended widely from the eastern end of the southern coast of Japan (the Boso Peninsula) to the offshore Kuroshio‐Oyashio transition region. These findings suggest that the seasonal habitat use and movement behavior of juvenile PBF are influenced by the distance of the Kuroshio axis from the coast, and the ultimate drivers are likely variations in oceanographic conditions and prey availability along the southern coast of Japan.
Improved diagnostic stratification of digitised Barrett's oesophagus biopsies by p53 immunohistochemical staining
Authors: van der Wel Myrtle J , Duits Lucas C , Pouw Roos E , Seldenrijk Cornelis A , Offerhaus G J A , Visser Mike , ten Kate Fiebo J , Biermann Katharina , Brosens Lodewijk A A , Doukas Michael , Huysentruyt Clement , Karrenbeld Arend , Kats‐Ugurlu Gursah , van der Laan Jaap S , van Lijnschoten G (Ineke) , Moll Freek C P , Ooms Ariadne H A G , van der Valk Hans , Tijssen Jan G , Bergman Jacques J , Meijer Sybren L
Published: January 2018

Aims

Interobserver agreement for dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is low, and guidelines advise expert review of dysplastic cases. The aim of this study was to assess the added value of p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the homogeneity within a group of dedicated gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists.

Methods and results

Sixty‐single haematoxylin and eosin (HE) slide referral BO cases [20 low‐grade dysplasia (LGD); 20 high‐grade dysplasia (HGD); and 20 non‐dysplastic BO reference cases] were digitalised and independently assessed twice in random order by 10 dedicated GI pathologists. After a ‘wash‐out’ period, cases were reassessed with the addition of a corresponding p53 IHC slide. Outcomes were: (i) proportion of ‘indefinite for dysplasia’ (IND) diagnoses; (ii) interobserver agreement; and (iii) diagnostic accuracy as compared with a consensus ‘gold standard’ diagnosis defined at an earlier stage by five core expert BO pathologists after their assessment of this case set. Addition of p53 IHC decreased the mean proportion of IND diagnoses from 10 of 60 to eight of 60 (P = 0.071). Mean interobserver agreement increased significantly from 0.45 to 0.57 (P = 0.0021). The mean diagnostic accuracy increased significantly from 72% to 82% (P = 0.0072) after p53 IHC addition.

Conclusion

Addition of p53 IHC significantly improves the histological assessment of BO biopsies, even within a group of dedicated GI pathologists. It decreases the proportion of IND diagnoses, and increases interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy. This justifies the use of accessory p53 IHC within our upcoming national digital review panel for BO biopsy cases.
Accuracy and reliability of a hand‐held in vivo skin indentation device to assess skin elasticity
Authors: Virén T. , Iivarinen J. T. , Sarin J. K. , Harvima I. , Mayrovitz H. N.
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a hand‐held indentation device for fast and reliable determination of skin stiffness.

Methods

Device accuracy to indentation depths of 0.6 and 1.3 mm was first evaluated on plastic foam materials with mechanical properties verified by a laboratory material testing device. Subsequently, the device's sensitivity to detect age‐related changes in skin stiffness was evaluated among 46 healthy women (18–79 years). Finally, the reproducibility of the method was tested with six healthy subjects.

Results

High correlation was detected between indentation stiffness of reference material and Young's modulus determined with mechanical testing device (0.6 mm indenter: r = 0.97, P = 0.05; 1.3 mm indenter: r = 0.98, P = 0.04). Age‐related decrease of 38% in skin stiffness was observed in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation for 0.6 and 1.3 mm indenters was 7.4% and 8.5%, respectively. No trend related to hysteresis effect was observed from repeated measurements.

Conclusions

The presented indentation technique was accurate against the laboratory material testing device. Furthermore, skin changes related to ageing could be detected with the indentation technique. The new device was found to be feasible for monitoring skin stiffness in cosmetics and clinical conditions.
Human dendritic cell subsets: an update
Authors: Collin Matthew , Bigley Venetia
Published: January 2018

Dendritic cells (DC) are a class of bone‐marrow‐derived cells arising from lympho‐myeloid haematopoiesis that form an essential interface between the innate sensing of pathogens and the activation of adaptive immunity. This task requires a wide range of mechanisms and responses, which are divided between three major DC subsets: plasmacytoid DC (pDC), myeloid/conventional DC1 (cDC1) and myeloid/conventional DC2 (cDC2). Each DC subset develops under the control of a specific repertoire of transcription factors involving differential levels of IRF8 and IRF4 in collaboration with PU.1, ID2, E2‐2, ZEB2, KLF4, IKZF1 and BATF3. DC haematopoiesis is conserved between mammalian species and is distinct from monocyte development. Although monocytes can differentiate into DC, especially during inflammation, most quiescent tissues contain significant resident populations of DC lineage cells. An extended range of surface markers facilitates the identification of specific DC subsets although it remains difficult to dissociate cDC2 from monocyte‐derived DC in some settings. Recent studies based on an increasing level of resolution of phenotype and gene expression have identified pre‐DC in human blood and heterogeneity among cDC2. These advances facilitate the integration of mouse and human immunology, support efforts to unravel human DC function in vivo and continue to present new translational opportunities to medicine.
Experiencing primitive accumulation as alienation: Mangrove forest privatization, enclosures and the everyday adaptation of bodies to capital in ruralSenegal
Authors: Hiraldo Rocío
Published: January 2018

This paper examines primitive accumulation by studying changes in fishermen and mollusc collectors' labour before and after the privatization of 1,800 hectares of mangrove forest in rural Senegal through the creation of a tourism‐oriented protected area. Locating this privatization within a broader context of capital's enclosures, the paper shows a process of depeasantization, labour intensification (via the multiplication of petty commodity production activities and proletarianization) and changing socioecological relations. This is a process where enclosures continuously alienate workers by separating them not necessarily from the land, but, more generally, from the conditions of their labour even when these are already commodified. As workers cope with alienation, they encounter it anew, contributing to capital's survival through their search for money and other commodities (i.e., means of production and subsistence). Workers' everyday adaptations to capital, and hence alienation, need to become central in future research on primitive accumulation and agrarian change.
Prevalence of tinnitus according to temporomandibular joint disorders and dental pain: The Korean National Population‐based Study
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Park Y. G. , Han K. D. , Vu D. , Cho K. H. , Lee S. Y.
Published: January 2018

Some studies have reported that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is related to tinnitus. However, there is no study of the relationship and prevalence of dental pain and tinnitus. We evaluated the associations between the prevalence of tinnitus and TMD and dental pain by analysing the Korean national health survey. We analysed totally 11 745 participants. The presence of tinnitus, TMD symptoms and dental pain was surveyed by self‐assessment questionnaires from all the participants. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to acquire odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of tinnitus was higher in the subjects with dental pain (21.1%), TMD (22.5%) and both symptoms (31.2%) than subjects without those symptoms (19.6%). After adjusting for all covariates, subjects with TMD had tinnitus 1.6 times more than subjects without TMD. In the subanalysis, age group more than 65 years, women, and obese subjects had tinnitus more than men, age group <65, and non‐obese subjects, respectively. TMD alone and both dental pain and TMD were associated with tinnitus (OR = 1.389 and 95% CI 1.054‐1.832 and 2.206 and 1.637‐2.974, respectively). Subjects with TMD had more tinnitus than subjects without TMD. Moreover, subjects with dental pain in addition to TMD had increased prevalence of tinnitus than TMD alone.
Group identity in a network formation game with cost sharing
Authors: Dev Pritha
Published: January 2018

This paper introduces the choice of group identity, which is comprised of characteristics and commitments to these characteristics, in a network formation model where links costs are shared. Players want to link to the largest group given that linking costs for players of the same (different) characteristic are decreasing (increasing) in their commitments. The equilibrium concepts used are Nash equilibrium as well as one that looks for stability allowing for bilateral negotiations. Conditions are shown under which the endogenous choice of characteristics and commitments allow for multiple groups with segregated or connected networks. When group identity is partly endogenous, such that characteristics are fixed and players only choose commitment, it is shown that the equilibrium population commitment profile dictates whether the resulting network is segregated or connected. When group identity is fully endogenous, it is shown that multiple groups and segregated networks are possible equilibrium outcomes but such outcomes are not stable unless the group size additionally affects the costs of link formation.
Modulation of broilers’ caecal microflora and metabolites in response to a potential probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Authors: Cao G. T. , Zhan X. A. , Zhang L. L. , Zeng X. F. , Chen A. G. , Yang C. M.
Published: January 2018

Studies have found that a dietary supplement of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens improved the growth performance, increased the nutrient digestibility of hosts and modulated the intestinal microflora. A total of 360 1‐day‐old Ross broilers were randomly divided into three treatments: a control group with a basal diet, an antibiotic group with a basal diet and added colistin sulphate, and a probiotics group with a basal diet and added Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The HiSeq high‐throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA was used to investigate the differences in birds’ caecal microflora, and metabolomics was used to analyse changes in caecal metabolites. Results showed that the supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens significantly improved the BW and ADG compared with the control birds. Results of sequencing indicated that (i) 645, 670, 596 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found in birds supplemented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on day 7, 21 and 42, separately, (ii) due to the diversity and relative abundance of the birds’ caecal microflora, the OTUs of the caecal microflora clustered according to age and treatment, except on day 42, (iii) among the six predominate families (Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Rikenellaceae), the supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens significantly increased Enterobacteriaceae on day 42, (iv) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens increased the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus on day 21, increased the Faecalibacterium and Blautia and decreased the Ruminococcus on day 42. The metabolomics of caecal metabolites showed that the dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens changed the caecal metabolites involved of amino acid metabolism and glyceride metabolism, and the antibiotics changed the caecal metabolites that were related to carbohydrates and amino acid metabolism on day 21.
The evolution ofHomo Discens: natural selection and human learning
Authors: Kivinen Osmo , Piiroinen Tero
Published: January 2018

This article takes an evolutionary “reverse engineering” standpoint onHomo discens, learning man, to track down the (learning) mechanisms that played a pivotal role in the natural selection of human being. The approach is “evolutionary sociological”—as opposed to gene‐centred or psychologising—and utilises notions of co‐evolutionary organism–environment transactions and niche construction. These are compatible with a Deweyan theory of action, which entails that in action one cannot but learn and one can only learn in action. Special attention is paid to apprentice‐like learning‐by‐doing peculiar to human socio‐cultural niches since the Pleistocene, which has permitted each subsequent generation to learn the many habits and skills needed in utilising the affordances of action that constitute their ecological niche. Affordances and actions have changed over the history of human–environment transactions, but the core mechanisms of human learning have not changed much. It is increasingly important to appreciate these mechanisms now in the global age “knowledge society,” which is in a way similar to the Pleistocene era: characterised by uncertainty and life‐determining problem‐situations without any ready‐made solutions, it calls for capacities to adapt to changing circumstances, and thus apprentice‐like learning in action supported by savvy epistemological engineering of learning environments.
MiR‐492 regulates metastatic properties of hepatoblastoma via CD44
Authors: von Frowein Julia , Hauck Stefanie M. , Kappler Roland , Pagel Philipp , Fleischmann Katrin K. , Magg Thomas , Cairo Stefano , Roscher Adelbert , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Schmid Irene
Published: January 2018

Background & Aims

MicroRNAs are important genetic regulators of physiological and pathophysiological processes including cancer initiation and progression of hepatoblastoma, the most common liver tumour in childhood. We aimed to identify malignant and metastasis promoting effects of miR‐492, a miRNA, previously reported to be overexpressed in metastatic hepatoblastoma. Furthermore, we intended to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic potential.

Methods

Stable and transient overexpression of miR‐492 in two liver tumour cell lines HepT1 and HUH7 was used to analyse features of metastatic tumour progression such as proliferation, anchorage‐independent growth, migration and invasion. Via a mass spectrometry based proteomic screen, we investigated miRNA‐492‐dependent effects on proteome level and explored the underlying biology. One of the predicted target genes, CD44, was experimentally validated via luciferase assays. Diagnostic and prognostic properties of miR‐492 were studied in hepatoblastoma tumour samples.

Results

We show that miR‐492 significantly enhances cell proliferation, anchorage‐independent growth, migration and invasion of hepatoblastoma cells. We also identified and validated CD44, a transmembrane adhesion receptor for hyaluronan, as direct and functional target of miR‐492. This miRNA has a strong direct impact on two CD44 isoforms (standard and v10). High miR‐492 expression correlates with high‐risk or aggressive tumours and further bears potential for predicting reduced event‐free survival.

Conclusions

We identified miR‐492 and its target CD44 as regulators of a number of biological features important for malignancy and metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miR‐492, a promising novel therapeutic target and biomarker for hepatoblastoma.
Mg‐rich harzburgites from Vesta: Mantle residua or cumulates from planetary differentiation?
Authors: Hahn Timothy M. , Lunning Nicole G. , McSween Harry Y. , Bodnar Robert J. , Taylor Lawrence A.
Published: January 2018

We describe petrographic, electron microprobe, and laser ablation ICP‐MS analyses of Mg‐rich harzburgite clasts in the Dominion Range 2010 howardites, and conclude that they are xenolithic samples of the vestan mantle. Key chemical and petrologic characteristics of these rocks provide tests for differentiation models. Our results indicate the mantle of Vesta formed through variable degrees of partial melting, which left behind a harzburgite and possibly dunite residuum. The Mg‐rich clasts are composed of orthopyroxene and olivine, with minor clinopyroxene, FeNi metal, and distinctive pyroxene–chromite symplectites. We use mineral chemistry to demonstrate the absence of a genetic link between diogenites and the Mg‐rich harzburgites. We propose a secondary origin for the formation of symplectites: interaction of silicate and metallic melts during primordial differentiation and core formation. The occurrence of FeNi metal containing ~1.5 wt% Cr within the assemblage indicates a very reducing environment during mantle differentiation (≪IW). Our study suggests that Vesta did not experience complete melting early in its history, and instead supports the formation of a shallow magma ocean.
Victims, Their Stories, and Our Rights
Authors: Bufacchi Vittorio
Published: January 2018

Diana Meyers argues that breaking the silence of victims and attending to their stories are necessary steps towards realizing human rights. Yet using highly personal victims' stories to promote human rights raises significant moral concerns, hence Meyers suggests that before victims' stories can be accessed and used, it is morally imperative that requirements of informed consent and non‐retraumatization are secured. This article argues that while Meyers' proviso is important, and necessary, it may not be sufficient. First, one potential problem with seeking to secure “informed consent” is that one has to ask for the consent, and in the act of asking one is potentially retraumatizing the victim. Secondly, the assumption that victims have ownership right over their stories, which is a key premise in Meyers's argument, is much more problematic than may appear.
Victims' Stories and the Postcolonial Politics of Empathy
Authors: Khader Serene J.
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses Diana Meyers's book in light of postcolonial feminist insights. It argues that though Meyers's defense of empathy is admirably sensitive to the ways philosophical concepts and popular discourses can undermine our empathetic capacities, building a human rights culture requires attention to the relational and distributional dimensions of empathy. Meyers's criticism of the expectation of moral purity from victims attests to the richness of her work on agency and helps dismantle unduly narrow conceptions of who counts as a victim of a human rights violation. Meyers's argument for empathy over sympathy is especially useful for understanding culturally encoded forms of degradation. However, human rights violations are caused not only by empathy deficits; they are caused also by empathy excesses toward some people and savior mentalities that can coexist with empathy. Empathy should be supplemented by a political analysis that helps us identify the causes of global injustice.
The impact of alternative donor types on viral infections in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Atay D. , Akcay A. , Erbey F. , Ozturk G.
Published: January 2018

Viral infections remain one of the most important complications following allogeneic HSCT. Few reports compare virus infection between different donor types in pediatric patients. We retrospectively analyzed viral infections and the outcome of one hundred and seventy‐one pediatric patients (median 7.38 years) who underwent allogeneic HSCT from matched related donor (MRD, n = 71), 10 of 10 HLA allele‐matched unrelated donors (MUD1; n = 29), 9 of 10 HLA allele‐matched unrelated donors (MUD2; n = 40), and haploidentical donors (n = 31). PCR screening for BK virus, adenovirus, Epstein‐Barr virus, parvovirus B19, human herpesvirus 6, and CMV were performed routinely weekly. Infections between 0‐30, 31‐100, and 101 days‐2 years were identified separately. BK virus and CMV reactivations were significantly low in MRD transplant patients (P = .046 and P < .0001, respectively), but incidences of all virus infections between MUD1, MUD2, and haplo‐HSCT were found statistically not different. The OS was found to be affected by having one or multiple virus infection (P = .04 and P = .0008). Despite antiviral prophylaxis and treatments, post‐transplant viral infections are associated with reduced overall survival. Haplo‐HSCT is comparable with MUD transplantation in the setting of viral infections. A larger study group and prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation.
Semantic enrichment of octree structured point clouds for multi‐story 3D pathfinding
Authors: Fichtner Florian W. , Diakité Abdoulaye A. , Zlatanova Sisi , Voûte Robert
Published: January 2018

3D indoor navigation in multi‐story buildings and under changing environments is still difficult to perform. 3D models of buildings are commonly not available or outdated. 3D point clouds turned out to be a very practical way to capture 3D interior spaces and provide a notion of an empty space. Therefore, pathfinding in point clouds is rapidly emerging. However, processing of raw point clouds can be very expensive, as these are semantically poor and unstructured data. In this article we present an innovative octree‐based approach for processing of 3D indoor point clouds for the purpose of multi‐story pathfinding. We semantically identify the construction elements, which are of importance for the indoor navigation of humans (i.e., floors, walls, stairs, and obstacles), and use these to delineate the available navigable space. To illustrate the usability of this approach, we applied it to real‐world data sets and computed paths considering user constraints. The structuring of the point cloud into an octree approximation improves the point cloud processing and provides a structure for the empty space of the point cloud. It is also helpful to compute paths sufficiently accurate in their consideration of the spatial complexity. The entire process is automatic and able to deal with a large number of multi‐story indoor environments.
Block Backward Differentiation Formulas for solving second order Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Fook Tiaw Kah , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study the numerical method for solving second order Fuzzy Differential Equations (FDEs) using Block Backward Differential Formulas (BBDF) under generalized concept of higher-order fuzzy differentiability. Implementation of the method using Newton iteration is discussed. Numerical results obtained by BBDF are presented and compared with Backward Differential Formulas (BDF) and exact solutions. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate our methods.
Forecasting ozone concentration levels using Box-Jenkins ARIMA modelling and artificial neural networks: A comparative study
Authors: Awang Norhashidah , Kar Yong Ng , Yin Hoeng Soo
Published: January 2018

An accurate forecasting of tropospheric ozone (O3) concentration is beneficial for strategic planning of air quality. In this study, various forecasting techniques are used to forecast the daily maximum O3 concentration levels at a monitoring station in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The Box-Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving-average (ARIMA) approach and three types of neural network models, namely, back-propagation neural network, Elman recurrent neural network and radial basis function neural network are considered. The daily maximum data, spanning from 1 January 2011 to 7 August 2011, was obtained from the Department of Environment, Malaysia. The performance of the four methods in forecasting future values of ozone concentrations is evaluated based on three criteria, which are root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The findings show that the Box-Jenkins approach outperformed the artificial neural network methods.
Sensitivity analysis of unsaturated infiltration flow using head based finite element solution of Richards' equation
Authors: Islam Mohammad Sayful
Published: January 2018

Sensitivity analysis is one of the tools available for analyzing the effects of soil parameter on the variably unsaturated flows in porous media, that may easily be implemented into existing conventional Galerkin finite element solution of Richards’ equation based computational fluid dynamics codes. The sensitivity of the model is evaluated on the basis vertical infiltration problem with time dependent boundary condition, sharp gradient in the infiltration front, and discontinuous derivatives in the soil hydraulic properties. Simulation results demonstrate the complicated nature of unsaturated porous media during redistribution water flow.  The sample case presented highlight different aspects of the performance of the algorithm and the different factors that can affect their convergence and efficiency, including temporal discretization, convergence error norm, conductivity and moisture content characteristics, boundary conditions, and the extent of fully unsaturated zones in the soil. From the preliminary assessment performed herein, consideration of the number of degrees of freedom used when performing a sensitivity analysis is shown to demand enormous concern, if predicted sensitivities are to have significant physical interpretations. The proposed model is capable of simulating preferential flow situations using parameters which can be related to soil hydraulic properties.
Modelling of activator-inhibitor dynamics via nonlocal integral operators
Authors: Anguelov Roumen , Stoltz Stephanus Marnus
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes application of nonlocal operators to represent the biological pattern formation mechanism of self-activation and lateral inhibition. The blue-green algae Anabaena is discussed as a model example. The patterns are determined by the kernels of the integrals representing the nonlocal operators. The emergence of patters when varying the size of the support of the kernels is numerically investigated.