bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformational leadership and affective organizational commitment: mediating roles of perceived social responsibility and organizational identification
Authors: Allen Gregory W. , Attoh Prince A. , Gong Tao
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to examine the mediating roles of staff-level employee perceptions of corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and organizational identification in the relationship between transformational leadership and affective organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to staff-level employees of private sector companies through social media groups comprising members of the alumni associations of two universities in the northeast of America. A total of 218 responses were received, and the data were analyzed using a serial multiple mediator model.

Findings

The research indicates that transformational leadership helps staff-level employees perceive the organization as socially considerate, which in turn adds to their feelings of identification and commitment to the organization. Perceived corporate social responsibility and organizational identification do mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and affective organizational commitment. Leader development programs should consider emphasizing transformational leadership to achieve a win for both organizations and society.

Originality/value

This study adds empirical evidence to understand the linkage between transformational leadership and PCSR in staff-level employees. The research provides insight into how leaders can be responsive to stakeholder demands through transformational leadership, how PCSR is engendered at the staff-level, how staff-level employee PCSR contributes organizational value and how PSCR and organizational identification partly explain how transformational leadership effects affective organizational commitment.
EDIII‐DENV3 nanospheres drive immature dendritic cells into a mature phenotype in an in vitro model
Authors: Nantachit Nattika , Sunintaboon Panya , Ubol Sukathida
Published: June 2017

Domain III of E protein of dengue virus (DENV) is a target for vaccine development. Unfortunately, this protein based platform has low general immunogenicity. To circumvent this problem, the use of an adjuvant‐nanoparticle delivery system to facilitate immunogenicity of soluble DENV‐EDIII protein was investigated. One of the key features of this delivery system is its ability to simultaneously deliver antigens and exert adjuvanticity on specialized immune cells. In this study, N‐trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticles (NPs) were generated to be used as adjuvant and carrier for soluble E‐domain III of dengue virus serotype 3 (sEDIII‐D3). Using ionotropic gelation, purified sEDIII‐D3 was encapsulated into TMC NPs to form EDIII‐D3 TMC NPs. After optimization, EDIII‐D3 TMC particles exhibited a loading efficiency of 81% and a loading capacity of 41%. The immunogenicity of EDIII‐D3 TMC NPs was tested using monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). It was found that EDIII‐D3 TMC NPs were well taken up by MoDCs. In addition, EDIII‐D3 TMC NP treated MoDCs significantly upregulated maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA‐DR) and induced secretion of various cytokines and chemokines (IFN‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐2, IL‐12p70, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐8, MCP‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and IL‐7). These results indicate that EDIII‐D3 TMC NPs are potent immunogens, at least in vitro, with the ability to induce maturation of DCs and highlight the potential use of TMC NPs for enhancing immunogenicity of a non‐replicating dengue vaccine.
A Unique Type of Birth Trauma Mistaken for Abuse
Authors: Isaac Carolyn V. , Cornelison Jered B. , Castellani Rudolph J. , deJong Joyce L.
Published: June 2017

Pediatric abusive head trauma is a challenging subject across many disciplines. Of particular importance is the identification of mimics of abuse, so cause and manner of death can be properly assigned. We present the case of suspected child abuse involving an infant who presented unresponsive to the hospital with hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and bilateral parietal fractures. An autopsy revealed fractures associated with organizing scalp hemorrhage and gross leptomeningeal congestion and hemorrhage. The fractures were circular with external displacement, rounded margins, and subperiosteal new bone formation indicative of healing. Birth records revealed vacuum assist and cesarean section delivery. Although vacuum extraction‐related injuries are typically cephalohematomas and/or linear fractures, the outbending and circular morphology of the fractures are consistent with vacuum extraction. Moreover, microscopic neuropathological examination revealed hemorrhagic purulent leptomeningitis. This unique case demonstrates the importance of considering birth trauma in the determination of cause and manner of death of an infant.
Environmental DNA enables detection of terrestrial mammals from forest pond water
Authors: Ushio Masayuki , Fukuda Hisato , Inoue Toshiki , Makoto Kobayashi , Kishida Osamu , Sato Keiichi , Murata Koichi , Nikaido Masato , Sado Tetsuya , Sato Yukuto , Takeshita Masamichi , Iwasaki Wataru , Yamanaka Hiroki , Kondoh Michio , Miya Masaki
Published: June 2017

Terrestrial animals must have frequent contact with water to survive, implying that environmental DNA (eDNA) originating from those animals should be detectable from places containing water in terrestrial ecosystems. Aiming to detect the presence of terrestrial mammals using forest water samples, we applied a set of universal PCR primers (MiMammal, a modified version of fish universal primers) for metabarcoding mammalian eDNA. The versatility of MiMammal primers was tested in silico and by amplifying DNAs extracted from tissues. The results suggested that MiMammal primers are capable of amplifying and distinguishing a diverse group of mammalian species. In addition, analyses of water samples from zoo cages of mammals with known species composition suggested that MiMammal primers could successfully detect mammalian species from water samples in the field. Then, we performed an experiment to detect mammals from natural ecosystems by collecting five 500‐ml water samples from ponds in two cool‐temperate forests in Hokkaido, northern Japan. MiMammal amplicon libraries were constructed using eDNA extracted from water samples, and sequences generated by Illumina MiSeq were subjected to data processing and taxonomic assignment. We thereby detected multiple species of mammals common to the sampling areas, including deer (Cervus nippon), mouse (Mus musculus), vole (Myodes rufocanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), rat (Rattus norvegicus) and shrew (Sorex unguiculatus). Many previous applications of the eDNA metabarcoding approach have been limited to aquatic/semiaquatic systems, but the results presented here show that the approach is also promising even for forest mammal biodiversity surveys.
How to quantify a distance‐dependent landscape effect on a biological response
Authors: Miguet Paul , Fahrig Lenore , Lavigne Claire
Published: June 2017

To quantify the effect of the surrounding landscape context on a biological response at a site, most studies measure landscape variables within discs centred on this biological response (threshold‐based method, TBM). This implicitly assumes that the effect of a unit area of the landscape is consistent up to a threshold distance beyond which it drops to zero. However, it seems more likely that the landscape effect declines with increasing distance from the biological response point. Here, we develop a method to quantify landscape context effects by weighting the landscape variables by functions that decrease with distance. We illustrate the method using abundance data on birds and insects, and compare the results to the threshold approach.

We defined distance weighting functions by the function family (e.g. negative exponential, Gaussian…) and by the parameters for this function. We developed a method to simultaneously estimate the parameters characterizing the effect of the landscape variables and the parameters of the best weighting functions. For each test dataset, we determined which weighting function (family and parameters) had the most support, by optimizing the model AIC.

The distance‐weighted method (DWM) improved model support over the TBM in three of four datasets, with the exponential power function selected as the best weighing function in all three cases.

The observed differences between estimations of landscape context effects by the distance‐weighted and the threshold methods have significant implications for landscape management. For example, the DWM suggests that managing a landscape for 90% of its effect on a focal population requires an area over five times larger than the area estimated by the threshold method, a situation that might apply for priority conservation of few remnant populations of a severely endangered species. In contrast, management for 30% of the landscape effect requires only about half the area estimated using the threshold method, a situation that might apply to a management situation with limited resources or low political/societal support.

The DWM is applicable to any species‐habitat relationship. More comparisons are needed to determine the situations in which distance‐weighted estimation of landscape context effects is warranted over the simpler threshold method.
Using data from related species to overcome spatial sampling bias and associated limitations in ecological niche modelling
Authors: Qiao Huijie , Peterson Andrew Townsend , Ji Liqiang , Hu Junhua
Published: June 2017

Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is used widely to aid in conservation planning and management, often focusing on rare species characterized by the biased observations associated with restricted geographic ranges, habitat specialization, small population size and limited natural history information. Generating reliable ENMs for such species is a challenge, however, owing to issues that arise from spatial sampling bias, such as model inaccuracy and overfitting. Here, using virtual scenarios, we assess the utility of integrating occurrence data for closely related species with varying degrees of niche overlap into ENMs of focal species.

We consider two approaches to merge related and focal species models: integrating occurrences of focal and related species directly as inputs with which to generate ENMs, vs. creating ENMs based on occurrences of focal and related species separately and merging results based on Bayesian inference approaches.

Both single, integrated models and Bayesian inference approaches performed better than models based on focal species only when niche overlap between the focal and related species was large, across ENM algorithms examined. While assessing sensitivity and specificity separately, the performances of the two integration approaches over different ENM algorithms were complicated.

The results of the study offer a novel way forward in managing the challenge of creating useful, predictive models even for the rarest species, taking advantage of the reasonably general property of niche conservatism over small‐to‐moderate amounts of evolutionary time.
The effect of nest site orientation on the breeding success of blue swallowsHirundo atrocaeruleain South Africa
Authors: Evans Steven W.
Published: June 2017

The globally threatened blue swallowHirundo atrocaerulea, with <1500 pairs remaining, is an intra‐African migrant, breeding in eight countries in East Africa and Southern Africa, with nonbreeding birds in four countries in East Africa. Blue swallows build an open cup‐shaped nest out of mud and straw in an existing hole in the ground. An updated description of a blue swallow's nest site is that it is a hole in the ground, that faces in a region‐specific direction that maximizes reproductive success, with a roof or overhang or vegetation sufficient to keep the rain off the nest and its contents. Blue swallow breeding success was significantly different between KwaZulu‐Natal and Mpumalanga but, within each province, not between natural and artificial nest sites. Based on the number of fledglings per egg, blue swallow breeding success in Mpumalanga was best in north‐ and west‐facing nest sites, and in KwaZulu‐Natal, breeding success was best in north‐ and east‐facing nest sites. Artificial nest sites should continue to be created for blue swallows that are north to west facing in Mpumalanga (and possibly in Swaziland), and north to east facing in KwaZulu‐Natal.
Pre‐operative brachial plexus block compared with an identical block performed at the end of surgery: a prospective, double‐blind, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Holmberg A. , Sauter A. R. , Klaastad Ø. , Drægni T. , Ræder J. C.
Published: June 2017

We evaluated whether pre‐emptive analgesia with a pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block resulted in better postoperative analgesia than an identical block performed postoperatively. Fifty‐two patients undergoing fixation of a fractured radius were included. All patients received general anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: a pre‐operative block or a postoperative block with 0.5 ml.kg−1 ropivacaine 0.75%. After surgery, all patients received regular paracetamol plus opioids for breakthrough pain. Mean (SD) time to first rescue analgesic after emergence from general anaesthesia was 544 (217) min in the pre‐operative block group compared with 343 (316) min in the postoperative block group (p = 0.015). Postoperative pain scores were higher and more patients required rescue analgesia during the first 4 h after surgery in the postoperative block group. There were no significant differences in plasma stress mediators between the groups. Analgesic consumption was lower at day seven in the pre‐operative block group. Pain was described as very strong at block resolution in 27 (63%) patients and 26 (76%) had episodes of mild pain after 6 months. We conclude that a pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block provides longer and better analgesia in the acute postoperative period compared with an identical postoperative block in patients undergoing surgery for fractured radius.
Understanding the life of Chinese immigrants in Korea: Forgotten people in the land of multiculturalism
Authors: Kim Hyemee , Lee Jin Gyung , Lee Byung Chul , Kim Soyoung
Published: June 2017

In recent years, Korean society has claimed its multicultural identity in which diversity is celebrated. Numerous changes have been made at societal level, and policies and services promoting multiculturalism have been implemented. However, one particular ethnic group excluded from multiculturalism discourse is the Hwa‐Gyo, descendants of Chinese immigrants. This study aims to gain an understanding of the Hwa‐Gyo and their lives, as little is known about them. In‐depth interviews were conducted with third and fourth‐generation Hwa‐Gyo residents in Korea, and qualitative descriptive analyses were conducted. Two main themes were extracted from the narratives: “being the forgotten people,” and the “ambiguity of being Hwa‐Gyo.” Related subthemes were also identified. The Hwa‐Gyo perceives themselves as forgotten people abandoned by both their country of birth and their country of citizenship (Taiwan), and are marginalized from new immigrants. They define themselves as hopeless wanderers, and expressed ambiguity over their identity and their place in Korea. Their narratives also showed that they attempt to stay hidden from the rest of Korean society as a way to protect themselves from discrimination they have encountered for generations.
Compartmentalized cAMP responses to prostaglandin EP2 receptor activation in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Agarwal Shailesh R , Miyashiro Kathryn , Latt Htun , Ostrom Rennolds S , Harvey Robert D
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Previous studies indicate that prostaglandin EP2 receptors selectively couple to AC2 in non‐lipid raft domains of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, where they regulate specific cAMP‐dependent responses. The goal of the present study was to identify the cellular microdomains where EP2 receptors stimulate cAMP production.

Experimental Approach

FRET‐based cAMP biosensors were targeted to different subcellular locations of primary human ASM cells. The Epac2‐camps biosensor, which expresses throughout the cell, was used to measure bulk cytoplasmic responses. Epac2‐MyrPalm and Epac2‐CAAX were used to measure responses associated with lipid raft and non‐raft regions of the plasma membrane respectively. Epac2‐NLS was used to monitor responses at the nucleus.

Key Results

Activation of AC with forskolin or β2‐adrenoceptors with isoprenaline increased cAMP in all subcellular locations. Activation of EP2 receptors with butaprost produced cAMP responses that were most readily detected by the non‐raft and nuclear sensors, but only weakly detected by the cytosolic sensor and not detected at all by the lipid raft sensor. Exposure to rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, unmasked the ability of EP2 receptors to increase cAMP levels associated with lipid raft domains. Overexpression of AC2 selectively increased EP2 receptor‐stimulated production of cAMP in non‐raft membrane domains.

Conclusions and Implications

EP2 receptor activation of AC2 leads to cAMP production in non‐raft and nuclear compartments of human ASMs, while β2 adrenoceptor signalling is broadly detected across microdomains. The activity of PDE4 appears to play a role in maintaining the integrity of compartmentalized EP2 receptor responses in these cells.
Racial Categorization Predicts Implicit Racial Bias in Preschool Children
Authors: Setoh Peipei , Lee Kristy J. J. , Zhang Lijun , Qian Miao K. , Quinn Paul C. , Heyman Gail D. , Lee Kang
Published: June 2017

This research investigated the relation between racial categorization and implicit racial bias in majority and minority children. Chinese and Indian 3‐ to 7‐year‐olds from Singapore (N = 158) categorized Chinese and Indian faces by race and had their implicit and explicit racial biases measured. Majority Chinese children, but not minority Indian children, showed implicit bias favoring own race. Regardless of ethnicity, children's racial categorization performance correlated positively with implicit racial bias. Also, Chinese children, but not Indian children, displayed explicit bias favoring own race. Furthermore, children's explicit bias was unrelated to racial categorization performance and implicit bias. The findings support a perceptual–social linkage in the emergence of implicit racial bias and have implications for designing programs to promote interracial harmony.
Unpicking the Developmental Relationship Between Oral Language Skills and Reading Comprehension: It's Simple, But Complex
Authors: Lervåg Arne , Hulme Charles , Melby‐Lervåg Monica
Published: June 2017

Listening comprehension and word decoding are the two major determinants of the development of reading comprehension. The relative importance of different language skills for the development of listening and reading comprehension remains unclear. In this 5‐year longitudinal study, starting at age 7.5 years (n = 198), it was found that the shared variance between vocabulary, grammar, verbal working memory, and inference skills was a powerful longitudinal predictor of variations in both listening and reading comprehension. In line with the simple view of reading, listening comprehension, and word decoding, together with their interaction and curvilinear effects, explains almost all (96%) variation in early reading comprehension skills. Additionally, listening comprehension was a predictor of both the early and later growth of reading comprehension skills.
Critical discourse analysis of perspectives on knowledge and the knowledge society within the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Cummings Sarah , Regeer Barbara , de Haan Leah , Zweekhorst Marjolein , Bunders Joske
Published: June 2017

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is employed to analyze discourses of knowledge and the knowledge society in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discourse analysis is a collective name for a number of scientific methodologies for analyzing semiosis, namely how meaning is created and communicated though written, vocal or sign language. Employing a genealogical approach which locates discourses in the field of prior discourses, two prior discourses of the knowledge society are identified in the key document of the SDGs. The concepts knowledge and knowledge society are found to have a marginal position within the main policy document “Transforming our world,” adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. The techno‐scientific‐economic discourse is found to be dominant at the level of implementation and of goals, while there is some evidence of the pluralist‐participatory discourse at the level of vision and strategy. Analysis of some of the policy advice provided by international organizations and civil society indicates that more pluralist‐participatory discourses on knowledge were represented when the SDGs were being formulated. Developed countries and the corporate sector were very influential in determining the final text and were probably instrumental in excluding more transformational discourses and maintaining the status quo.
Knowledge is Power: A Theory of Information, Income and Welfare Spending
Authors: Lind Jo Thori , Rohner Dominic
Published: June 2017

No voters cast their votes based on perfect information, but richer voters are on average best informed. We develop a model where the voting mistakes resulting from low political knowledge reduce the weight of poor voters, and cause parties to choose political platforms that are better aligned with the preferences of rich voters. In US election survey data, income is more important in affecting voting behaviour for more informed voters than for less informed voters. Further, when there is a strong correlation between income and political information, Congress representatives vote more conservatively, which is also in line with our theory.
Studies in vitro on Free Amino Acid Pools and Protein Synthesis in Rat Jejunum
Authors: FERN E. B. , HIDER R. C. , LONDON D. R.
Published: June 2017

1. The uptake and incorporation in vitro of radioactive leucine in rat jejunum has been studied. — 2. The total free intracellular leucine pool makes only a minor contribution to tissue protein synthesis. — 3. Amino acid is incorporated into protein more readily from the mucosal than from the serosal side of gut sacs. — 4. The results of these experiments can be interpreted to show that in rat jejunum in vitro leucine is incorporated into protein without prior equilibration with the total free intracellular pool.
The Role of Free Fatty Acids in the Production of Ventricular Arrhythmias after Acute Coronary Artery Occlusion
Authors: KURIEN V. A. , YATES P. A. , OLIVER M. F.
Published: June 2017

After After coronary artery occlusion had been produced in intact dogs, marked elevation of plasma FFA was usually associated with the development of frequent ventricular ectopic systoles and sometimes with ventricular tachycardia or even ventricular fibrillation. These arrhythmias occurred 10–30 min. after the maximum recorded level of FFA.— Elevation of plasma FFA was achieved by inducing plasma lipolysis with heparin. The increased frequency of ventricular ectopic systoles could be reduced and ventricular tachycardia abolished by the administration of protamine sulphate, which has no known anti‐arrhythmic effect on spontaneous arrhythmia, but suppresses heparin‐induced plasma lipolysis.— No haemodynamic changes occurred with the administration of heparin and Intralipid. While infusion of Intralipid and heparin caused reduction in pH of approximately 0.04, evidence is presented that this is not a stimulus for increased arrhythmia.—The administration of noradrenaline to dogs with coronary artery occlusion can also cause arrhythmia even when administered in extremely small doses. The effect is a biphasic one. An immediate initial arrhythmia may occur and is associated with a rise in blood pressure and a reflex bradycardia but not with any significant elevation of FFA. Such arrhythmias disappear when sinus bradycardia is prevented. Arrhythmia can recur during the infusion of nor‐adrenaline in the absence of haemodynamie change and this is associated with marked elevation of plasma FFA. This late arrhythmia can be suppressed or prevented by the administration of a drug which reduces adipose tissue lipolysis.—It is concluded that elevated plasma FFA can have an ar‐rhythmogenic action when there is associated myocardial hypoxia and this effect can be independent of catecholamine activity.
The Urate‐Binding Alpha1–2Globulin
Authors: Aakesson I. , Alvsaker J. O.
Published: June 2017

The urate‐binding α1–2 globulin has been isolated from human plasma in a highly purified state. The isolation procedure was based upon anion exchange chromatography of the plasma macromolecular fraction on DEAE‐Sephadex columns followed by ammonium sulphate precipitations and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The urate‐binding α1–2 globulin is a rod‐shaped glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 67000 as determined by dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an isoelectric point of pH 4.6. In the presence of 6 N urea and mercaptoethanol respectively the protein does not split into subunits indicating that it might represent a single polypeptide chain. The urato‐binding α1–2 globulin contains 12.1% of carbohydrates including galactose, mannoso, galactosamine and sialic acid. The amino acid composition of the protein does not differ significantly from what is found in other plasma proteins except for the presence in automatic amino acid analysis of an hitherto unidentified compound. Further work is required in order to determine the number of binding sites for uric acid on the protein molecule.—The urate‐binding α1–2 globulin does not seem to be identical to any previously characterized protein from human blood.
The Value of Lactate and Pyruvate Measurements in the Assessment of the Redox State of Free Nicotinamide‐Adenine Dinucleotide in the Cytoplasm of Perfused Rat Heart
Authors: Opie Lionel H. , Mansford K. R. L.
Published: June 2017

In the isolated rat heart perfused with glucose as substrate, measurements were made of perfusate and tissue lactate and pyruvate concentrations, and of tissue α‐glycerophosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate concentrations. The conditions studied included increased heart work, anoxia, the addition of insulin, acute alloxan diabetes, chronic streptozotocin diabetes, and the addition of ketone bodies. True intracellular lactate values (estimated from the lactate and sorbitol spaces) and apparent tissue values exceeded perfusate values, showing the existence of a lactate concentration gradient. During anoxia, the lactate gradient diminished. Cytoplasmic free NAD+/NADH ratios calculated from the extracellular lactate/pyruvate ratio were similar to and changed in the same direction as the NAD+/NADH ratios calculated from the tissue α‐glycerophosphate/dihydroxyacetone phosphate ratios in non‐diabetic hearts. In diabetio hearts, extracellular and tissue lactate/pyruvate ratios gave different values for the cytoplasmic free NAD+/NADH ratios than did tissue α‐glycero‐phoaphate/dihydroxyacetone phosphate ratios. These discrepancies were associated with accumulation of pyruvate in the perfusate and the tissue. Changes in the extracellular lactate/pyruvate ratio gave a better differentiation between acute heart work and acute anoxia than did changes in the heart lactate/pyruvate ratio. The use of extracellular lactate/ pyruvate measurements in assessing the state of myocardial oxygenation is supported by these observations, provided that nutritional factors are taken into account and the diabetic state is excluded.
Higher expression of WNT5A protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma compared with dysplasia and oral mucosa with a normal appearance
Authors: Prgomet Zdenka , Andersson Tommy , Lindberg Pia
Published: June 2017

WNT5A is a secreted signaling protein that promotes migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells through activation of non‐canonical WNT signaling. Here, we examined expression of WNT5A, β‐catenin, and E‐cadherin by immunohistochemistry in 21 human diagnostic incision biopsies that each had regions of oral mucosa with a normal appearance adjacent to the affected tissue, dysplasia, and OSCC. We also investigated the effect of recombinant WNT5A (rWNT5A) on expression of the cell‐adhesion proteins E‐cadherin and β‐catenin by western blot analysis. No expression of WNT5A protein was present in oral mucosa with a normal appearance or in mild grade dysplasia. However, expression of WNT5A increased along with increasing grade of dysplasia, and the highest expression was detected in OSCCs. Expression of membranous β‐catenin and of E‐cadherin was lower, whereas expression of cytoplasmic β‐catenin was higher, in OSCCs than in non‐cancerous regions. However, there was no correlation between expression of WNT5A and expression of either β‐catenin or E‐cadherin. Furthermore, treatment of OSCC cells with rWNT5A had no effect on the expression of β‐catenin or E‐cadherin. Taken together with previous results, we conclude that WNT5A influences the progression of OSCC without affecting the canonical WNT/β‐catenin pathway and without down‐regulating E‐cadherin. WNT5A may have potential as a biological marker for malignant transformation of dysplasia to OSCC.
Complexity and biosemiotics in evolutionary ecology of zoonotic infectious agents
Authors: Kosoy Michael , Kosoy Roman
Published: June 2017

More is not automatically better. Generation and accumulation of information reflecting the complexity of zoonotic diseases as ecological systems do not necessarily lead to improved interpretation of the obtained information and understanding of these complex systems. The traditional conceptual framework for analysis of diseases ecology is neither designed for, nor adaptable enough, to absorb the mass of diverse sources of relevant information. The multidirectional and multidimensional approaches to analyses form an inevitable part in defining a role of zoonotic pathogens and animal hosts considering the complexity of their inter‐relations. And the more data we have, the more involved the interpretation needs to be. The keyword for defining the roles of microbes as pathogens, animals as hosts, and environmental parameters as infection drivers is “functional importance.” Microbes can act as pathogens toward their host only if/when they recognize the animal organism as the target. The same is true when the host recognizes the microbe as a pathogen rather than harmless symbiont based on the context of its occurrence in that host. Here, we propose conceptual tools developed in the realm of the interdisciplinary sciences of complexity and biosemiotics for extending beyond the currently dominant mindset in ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We also consider four distinct hierarchical levels of perception guiding how investigators can approach zoonotic agents, as a subject of their research, representing differences in emphasizing particular elements and their relations versus more unified systemic approaches.
Mutation in IL36RN impairs the processing and regulatory function of the interleukin‐36‐receptor antagonist and is associated with DITRA syndrome
Authors: Bal Elodie , Lim Ai Ching , Shen Min , Douangpanya Jason , Madrange Marine , Gazah Rihab , Tauber Marie , Beghdadi Walid , Casanova Jean Laurent , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Bachelez Hervé , Towne Jennifer E. , Smahi Asma
Published: June 2017

The identification of loss‐of‐function mutations of the IL36RN gene encoding the interleukin‐36 receptor antagonist (IL‐36Ra) in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) emphasized the key role of this pathway in skin innate immunity and systemic inflammation. It has been previously shown in vitro that removal of the N‐terminal amino acid IL36Ra (M1) is critical to its biological activity, but the in vivo contribution of this processing remains unknown. We report herein a new homozygous (c4G>T, pV2F) missense IL36RN mutation segregating in a family with three GPP‐affected patients. The V2F mutation does not alter IL‐36Ra protein expression but was devoid of any antagonist activity. Mass spectrometry showed that the V2F IL‐36Ra mutant retains its first N‐terminal methionine. These results provide the first in vivo demonstration that removal of N‐terminal methionine of native IL‐36Ra is a mandatory step to reach optimal antagonist activity and to prevent sustained skin and systemic inflammation in humans.
Geographic variation in liver transplantation persists despite implementation of Share35
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Northup Patrick G. , Stukenborg George J. , Cornella Scott L. , Maluf Daniel G. , Pelletier Shawn J. , Argo Curtis K.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Geographic disparities persist in the USA despite locoregional organ sharing policies. The impact of national organ sharing policies on waiting‐list mortality on a regional basis remains unknown.

Methods

Data on all adult liver transplants between 1 February 2002 and 31 March 2015 were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ and Transplantation Network. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed in a time‐to‐event analysis to estimate waiting‐list mortality for the pre‐ and post‐Share35 eras.

Results

In the analyzed time period, 134 247 patients were listed for transplantation and 54 510 received organs (42.8%). Listing volume increased following the introduction of the Share35 organ sharing policy (15 976 candidates pre‐ vs. 18 375 post) without significant regional changes as did the number of transplants (7210 pre‐ vs. 8224 post). Waiting‐list mortality improved from 12.2% to 8.1% (P < 0.001). Adjusted waiting‐list mortality ratios remained geographically disparate. Region 10 and region 11 had lower hazard ratios (HR) but still had increased mortality (1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–1.60, P < 0.001; and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.37–1.62, P < 0.001, respectively). Regions 3 and 6 had increased HR with persistently elevated waiting‐list mortality (1.79, 95% CI 1.66–1.93, P < 0.001; and HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.45, P < 0.001, respectively). Model for End‐state Liver Disease (MELD) exception continued to propagate a survival benefit (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.63–0.68, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although overall waiting‐list mortality has decreased, geographic disparities persist, but appear reduced despite broader sharing policies enacted by Share35. The advantage afforded by MELD exception, while still present, was diminished by Share35 as organs are being shifted to MELD >35 candidates. The disparities highlighted by our findings imply a need to review current allocation policies to best balance local, regional, and national transplant environments.
Three novel HBB mutations, c.‐140C>G (‐90 C>G), c.237_256delGGACAACCTCAAGGGCACCT (FS Cd 78/85 ‐20 bp), and c.315+2T>G (IVS2:2 T>G). Update of the mutational spectrum of β‐Thalassemia in Mexican mestizo patients
Authors: Rizo‐de‐la‐Torre L. C. , Ibarra B. , Sánchez‐López J. Y. , Magaña‐Torres M. T. , Rentería‐López V. M. , Perea‐Díaz F. J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Beta‐thalassemia (β‐thal) is frequent in Mexican patients with microcytosis and hypochromia. We report three novel mutations and analyze the actual mutational spectrum in Mexican population.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐nine β‐thal Mexican mestizo patients were studied (154 alleles). ARMS‐PCR was performed to identify Cd39C>T, IVS1:1G>A, IVS1:110G>A, ‐28A>C, initiation codonA>G and IVS1:5G>A mutations, and gap‐PCR for δβ‐thal Spanish type. DNA sequencing of HBB gene was carried out in negative samples for the initial screening.

Results

Fifteen different HBB gene mutations were observed in 148 alleles; three of them are novel: ‐90C>G, 20 bp deletion (at codons 78/85), and IVS2:2T>G; the mutation IVS1:6T>C that was observed for first time in our population; and eleven previously described mutations. Six alleles showed normal HBB sequence. To date, a total of 21 different mutations have been observed in Mexican patients; the four most frequent mutations are of Mediterranean origin: Cd39C>T (37.2%), IVS1:1G>A (17.3%), IVS1:110G>A (13.9%), and δβ‐thal Spanish type (9.0%), which represent 77.4% of the total studied alleles.

Conclusion

Considering the novel mutations ‐90C>G, ‐20 bp Cd78/85, IVS2:2T>G and the first observation of IVS1:6T>C, the molecular spectrum of β‐thal in Mexicans comprises 21 different mutations, confirming the high allelic heterogeneity in Mexicans.
CD11c expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia revisited, related with complications and survival
Authors: Umit E. G. , Baysal M. , Durmus Y. , Demir A. M.
Published: June 2017

introduction

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disorder of mature but dysfunctional monoclonal B cells. Microenvironment, antigenic stimulation and genetical mutations are demonstrated in etiopathogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the expression of CD11c in patients with CLL and its possible clinical significance.

Methods

Data of 259 patients with CLL between 2010 and 2016 in Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, including age at diagnosis, sex, whole blood count, stage, percentage of CLL cells in bone marrow, line of treatments, development of Richter's transformation and secondary tumors, autoimmune complications, IgG level, prognostic cytogenetic analysis, and length of survival were recorded from files.

Results

151 patients were male (58.3%) and 108 were male (41.7%). Mean age was 70 (21‐92) years. CD11c was observed to be positive (>%20) in 103 patients (39.8%). Development of Richter's transformation, secondary tumors and ITP was significantly frequent in patients with CD11c positivity (P values .000, .003, .000 respectively). Also, IgG levels were significantly lower in this group (P = .000). Hemoglobin level, RAI stage and bone marrow CLL infiltration percentage were statistically related with CD11c (P values .036, .037, .000 respectively). Finally, CD11c was statistically related (in positive group 70 months, negative group 79 months, P = .001).

Conclusion

CD11c, expressed not only in Hairy cell leukemia but also in dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes is a differentiation marker for inflammation. Prolonged inflammation in the microenvironment of CLL cells may cause a susceptibility to autoimmune disorders and secondary tumors in CLL, in this way, an increase in mortality.
Thrombophilic gene polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss in Greek women
Authors: Chatzidimitriou M. , Chatzidimitriou D. , Mavridou M. , Anetakis C. , Chatzopoulou F. , Lialiaris T. , Mitka S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial disorder. The aim of this study was the detection of various genetic polymorphisms and their correlation to RPL, in Greek women.

Methods

The impact of 12 thrombophilic polymorphisms was evaluated, among 48 Greek women with a history of RPL, vs 27 healthy parous women. Multiplex PCR and in situ hybridization on nitrocellulose films were performed, to investigate 12 genetic polymorphisms previously reported as risk factors for RPL.

Results

Heterozygous FV Leiden, homozygous PAI‐1 4G/4G, heterozygous MTHFR C677T, homozygous MTHFR A1298C, as much as the combined thrombophilic genotypes MTHFR 677T + ACE Ι/D, MTHFR 677T/1298C + ACE D/D, ACE I/D + b‐fibrinogen ‐455 G/A, FV HR2 + b‐fibrinogen ‐455 G/A showed a correlation as risk factors for RPL, whereas the rest of the investigated polymorphisms and their combinations did not render statistically significant differences between the two groups in study.

Conclusion

The results of this study, as well as those of similar studies, concerning the detection of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors underlying RPL, will prove of critical significance in the investigation and treatment of thrombophilic predisposition, in cases of RPL.
Interactive evolutionary approaches to multiobjective feature selection
Authors: Özmen Müberra , Karakaya Gülşah , Köksalan Murat
Published: June 2017

In feature selection problems, the aim is to select a subset of features to characterize an output of interest. In characterizing an output, we may want to consider multiple objectives such as maximizing classification performance, minimizing number of selected features or cost, etc. We develop a preference‐based approach for multiobjective feature selection problems. Finding all Pareto‐optimal subsets may turn out to be a computationally demanding problem and we still would need to select a solution. Therefore, we develop interactive evolutionary approaches that aim to converge to a subset that is highly preferred by the decision maker (DM). We test our approaches on several instances simulating DM preferences by underlying preference functions and demonstrate that they work well.
Stochastic multiple‐criteria decision making with 2‐tuple aspirations: a method based on disappointment stochastic dominance
Authors: Liang Xia , Jiang Yanping , Liu Peide
Published: June 2017

Considering the disappointment aversion behavior of decision makers, we define three types of disappointment stochastic dominance rules and disappointment stochastic dominance degree between two stochastic variables. Then we prove some important properties of disappointment stochastic dominance. With respect to the stochastic multiple‐criteria decision‐making (SMCDM) problem with criterion 2‐tuple aspirations, a novel method based on disappointment stochastic dominance is proposed. To begin with, based on the 2‐tuple aspiration on each criterion, for the situations of discrete and continuous stochastic criterion values, the aspiration alternative and its cumulative distribution functions of stochastic criterion values are constructed. Next, the disappointment stochastic dominance relation between each alternative and aspiration alternative is determined based on the definition of disappointment stochastic dominance. Further, the corresponding disappointment stochastic dominance degree is calculated. And the overall disappointment stochastic dominance degree of each alternative over the aspiration alternative is calculated to obtain the ranking result. Finally, an example of selecting desirable computer development project(s) is given to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
Book Reviews
Authors: Affleck Gordon Burt
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING AND THE LAW, By JOHN E. MURRAY, JR., (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Purchasing Management Association of Pittsburgh, 1973. 108 pages. $25)
Developing Abilities to Navigate Through the Grey Zones in Complex Environments: Nurses’ Reasons for Applying to a Clinical Ethics Residency for Nurses
Authors: Jurchak Martha , Grace Pamela J. , Lee Susan M. , Willis Danny G. , Zollfrank Angelika A. , Robinson Ellen M.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Nurses face complex ethical issues in practice and have to determine appropriate actions. An inability to conceptualize or follow a preferred course of action can give rise to moral uncertainty or moral distress. Both moral uncertainty and moral distress are problematic for nurses and their patients. A program designed to increase nurse confidence in moral decision making, the clinical ethics residency for nurses (CERN), was offered selectively to nurses affiliated with two academic medical centers. This is a report of the analysis of their application essays.

Design

Over a 3‐year period, 67 application essays were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Applicants comprised one third advanced practice nurses (APNs) and two thirds staff nurses. They were asked to describe their reasons for interest in the CERN and how they would apply the knowledge gained.

Methods

For conventional content analyses, no theoretical presumptions are used; rather, codes are identified from the data in an iterative manner and eventually collapsed into themes. Initially, broad themes were identified by the CERN team. Subsequently, in‐depth and recursive readings were completed by a subset of three members, resulting in refinement of themes and subthemes.

Findings

The overarching theme identified was “developing abilities to navigate through the ‘grey zones’ in complex environments.” Three subthemes were: (a) nurses encountering patients who are chronically critically ill, culturally diverse, and presenting with complex circumstances; (b) nurses desiring enhanced ethics knowledge and skills to improve quality of care, understand different perspectives, and act as a resource for others; and (c) nurses supporting and facilitating patient‐centered ethical decision making.

Conclusions

Findings are consistent with those appearing in the international literature but provide a more cohesive and comprehensive account than previously, and hold promise for the development of educational and policy strategies to address moral distress and uncertainty.

Clinical Relevance

This study is relevant to clinical practice in its verification of the need nurses have for ethics knowledge, skill refinement, and application through communication. These findings affirmed the challenge that nurses feel in communicating their ethical concerns in an effective and engaging way and their commitment to advocacy and improvement in the quality of care for patients.
Perceptions of Smartphone User‐Centered Mobile Health Tracking Apps Across Various Chronic Illness Populations: An Integrative Review
Authors: Birkhoff Susan D. , Smeltzer Suzanne C.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This integrative review presents a synthesis of the current qualitative research addressing the motivating factors, usability, and experiences of mobile health tracking applications (apps) across various chronic disease populations.

Design

Integrative review of the literature.

Methods

Databases used to conduct this integrative review included: PubMed Plus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Google Scholar, Science Direct, and EBSCO megafile. The following search terms were used in all five databases: smartphone apps, apps, mHealth, eHealth, mobile health apps, health tracking apps, user‐centered apps, wireless technology, engagement, qualitative, and usability.

Findings

The initial literature review yielded 689 results. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed, 11 studies met the criteria set forth for this review. The reviewed studies provided insight into users’ perceptions, experiences, and motivations to incorporate smartphone mobile health apps into their daily lives when living with chronic illnesses.

Conclusions

This review indicates the growing interest in user‐centered mobile health tracking apps, but with little understanding of motivating factors that foster sustained app use. Mobile health tracking apps targeted to users with chronic conditions need to have a high level of usability in order to motivate users to sustain engagement with their mobile health tracking app.

Clinical Relevance

User‐centered mobile health tracking app technology is being used with increasing frequency to potentially provide individualized support to chronic illness populations.