bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of slurry concentration on erosion wear behavior of AISI 5117 steel and high-chromium white cast iron
Authors: Al-Bukhaiti Mohammed Ahmed , Mohamad Ahmed Abouel Kasem , Emara Karam Mosa , Ahmed Shemy M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of slurry concentration on the erosion behavior of AISI 5117 steel and high-chromium white cast iron by using a whirling-arm rig. In this study, the slurry erosion mechanism with particle concentration has been studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests were carried out with particle concentrations in the range of 1-7 Wt.%, and the impact velocity of slurry stream was 15 m/s. Silica sand with a nominal size range of 500-710 µm was used as an erodent. The study revealed that the failure mode was independent of concentration.

Findings

The results showed that the erosion rate decreases with the increase in particle concentration and the variation in the reduction depends on the material. It was found that the variation of fractal dimension calculated from slope of linearized power spectral density of eroded surface image for different concentrations can be used to characterize the slurry erosion intensity in a similar manner to the erosion rate. It was also found that the variation of fractal dimension versus concentration of sand has a general trend that does not depend on magnification factor.

Originality/value

Using the gravitational measurement and image analysis, the variation of the wear with slurry concentration has been analyzed to investigate the implicated mechanisms of erosion during the process.
Investigation on inner flow field characteristics of groove textures in fully lubricated thrust bearings
Authors: Wang Wei , He Yongyong , Li Yang , Wei Bin , Hu Yutong , Luo Jianbin
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the inner flow field characteristics of groove textures in thrust bearings. Cavitation and vortex are studied simultaneously to enrich the theories of surface texture.

Design/methodology/approach

Navier–Stokes equations are solved using computational fluid dynamics. The MIXTURE model is adopted to study the gas–liquid mixture flow under the cavitation condition.

Findings

Re number, the depth ratio as well as the area ratio of the groove texture and the bottom shape are all influencing factors of the inner flow field characteristics. When cavitation region and vortex region occupy the bottom of the groove texture, these do not overlap because of the pressure gradient. The positive pressure gradient in the non-cavitation region introduces nonlinearity into the velocity profiles, which affects the load-carrying capacity and friction.

Originality/value

Cavitation and vortex are studied simultaneously only in this study. The characteristics of the textured thrust bearing can be analyzed and explained with the combined effect of cavitation and vortex.
Development of a mathematical model to determine optimum hollowness in layered cylindrical hollow rolling element using FE analysis
Authors: Solanki Mitul Thakorbhai , Vakharia Dipak
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model to determine optimum hollowness of a layered cylindrical hollow rolling element when it contacts with a flat plate.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out for different hollowness percentages ranging from 10 to 90 layered cylindrical hollow rolling elements corresponding to five standard NU 22 series bearings, i.e. 2206, 2210, 2215, 2220 and 2224. An experimental investigation is carried out for the NU 2206-layered cylindrical hollow roller bearing (LCHRB) at optimum hollowness under static loading condition.

Findings

Different parameters, such as bending stress (von Mises stress at the bore of the roller), von Mises stress, contact pressure and deflection in loaded contact are presented here.

Originality/value

The value of this research work is the development of a generalized solution that can be used to find the exact value of optimum hollowness for the layered cylindrical hollow rolling element, which is dependent on the yield strength of the material and the geometry of the roller under static loading condition. A static load test rig is designed to observe the load carrying capacity of the LCHRB as compared to the hollow cylindrical roller bearing.
“Conspicuous consumption in the context of consumer animosity”
Authors: Abraham Villy , Reitman Abraham
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of consumer animosity on conspicuous consumption in two research settings: Israel and Russia. The study also examines: the relationship between susceptibility to norm influence (SNI) and consumer animosity, whether SNI affects consumers’ willingness to buy (WTB) products from a country toward which they harbor animosity, and the relationship between consumer animosity and WTB in contexts differing in the level of animosity harbored toward a target country.

Design/methodology/approach

To probe generalizability, the hypothesized model was tested in two different contexts: Study 1 was conducted in Israel using the context of the Holocaust and Study 2 was conducted in Russia using the context of the recent political discord with the USA. A convenience sample of Israeli-Jewish (n=264) and Russian (n=259) consumers yielded a total of 523 questionnaires.

Findings

In both contexts, the results from the SPSS and AMOS analyses indicated a negative and significant relationship between consumer animosity and conspicuous consumption. Moreover, SNI was positively associated with consumer animosity. Finally, the study findings point to a negative association between consumer animosity and WTB, regardless of the level of animosity.

Originality/value

The research findings suggest that consumer animosity may be a stronger predictor for the consumption of conspicuous products than for the consumption of necessity goods.
Is commercial bank lending in South Africa procyclical?
Authors: Akinsola Foluso Abioye , Ikhide Sylvanus
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between commercial bank lending and business cycle in South Africa. This paper attempts to know whether commercial bank lending in South Africa is procyclical.

Design/methodology/approach

The model assumed that the lending behaviour is related to the business cycle. In this study, vector error correction model (VECM) is used to capture the relationship between bank lending and business cycle to accurately elicit the macroeconomic long-run relationship between business cycle and bank lending, as some banks might slow down bank lending due to some idiosyncratic factors that are not related to the downturn in the economy. This paper uses data from South African Reserve Bank for the period of 1990-2015 using VECM to understand the extent to which business cycle fluctuation can affect credit crunch in the financial system. The Johansen cointegration approach is used to ascertain whether there is indeed a long-run co-movement between credit growth and business cycle.

Findings

Results from the VECM show that there are significant linkages among the variables, especially between credit to gross domestic product (GDP) and business cycle. The influence of business cycle is seen vividly after a period of four to five years, where business cycle explains 20 per cent of the variation in the credit to GDP. South African banks tend to change their lending behaviour during upturns and downturns. This result further confirms the assertion in theory that credit follows business cycle and can amplify credit crunch. The result shows that in the long run, fluctuations in the business cycle can influence the credit growth in South Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The impulse analysis result shows that the impact of business cycle shock is very persistent and lasting. This also demonstrates that the shocks to the business cycle result have a persistent and long-lasting impact on credit. This study finds that commercial bank lending in South Africa is procyclical. It is suggested that the South African economy needs forward-looking policies that will mitigate the flow of credit to the real sector and at the same time ensure financial stability.

Originality/value

Most research papers rarely distinguish between the demand side and supply side of credit procyclicality. This report is presented to develop an econometric model that will examine demand side procyclicality. This study adopts more realistic and novel methods that will help in explaining the relationship between bank lending and business cycle in South Africa, especially after the global financial crisis. This report is presented with a concise and detailed analysis and interpretation.
Modeling multiple levels of targets in operational efficiency evaluation with DEA
Authors: Long Xia , Xia Qiong
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Researchers have noticed that in efficiency assessment, some attributes exhibit specializations including non-discretionary, non-controllable or undesirable. This paper aims to focus on other special factors which have target levels to achieve, i.e. the inputs (outputs) are no longer the-less-the-better (the-more-the-better).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors further study the target variables when some attributes have multiple levels of targets. Such a situation can be found in many operational efficiency evaluations with various targets or bounded scale in inputs or outputs. They suppose that decision-making units (DMUs), reaching any target level, are identical efficient. To some extent, it is mitigation between common targets and individual targets. Using the closest target rule, the authors propose a target-level-oriented method to evaluate DMUs locally.

Findings

First, the authors found that some factors have multiple levels of targets to improve its efficiency in real world practice. Second, the proposed technique is able to deal with the multiple-levels-targets problems in data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. Third, the decision-maker can select the improvement directions more freely than that in the traditional setting.

Originality/value

First, this is the first paper to discuss the multiple-levels-targets problems in DEA framework. Second, the proposed technique can help the decision-maker to select the best improvement strategies. Third, the technique developed in this paper can be used in many areas. For example, it can support the environmental efficiency evaluation with different standards of pollution emission.
Managing a retailer’s dual-channel supply chain under price- and delivery time-sensitive demand
Authors: Saha Subrata , Modak Nikunja Mohan , Panda Shibaji , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore optimal pricing policies and characteristics of a two-level dual-channel supply chain under price- and delivery time-sensitive demand. Besides price of the product, the delivery lead time is also a crucial factor in customers’ purchase decisions. A longer delivery lead time would diminish customers’ acceptance and faithfulness on the online channel, while a shorter delivery lead time would lead to incorporation of a substantial amount of logistics costs. In formulation of mathematical model, the effects of delivery lead time on the manufacturer and the retailer’s pricing strategies and profits in cooperative and non-cooperative dual-channel supply chain are explained analytically.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical models are formed for both non-cooperative and cooperative scenarios under inconsistent and consistent pricing. The authors examine whether revenue sharing (RS) contract or delivery cost sharing contract can solely coordinate the dual-channel supply chain. If a single contract fails, then the combination of RS contract with delivery cost sharing to achieve channel coordination is discussed.

Findings

It is found that the RS or delivery cost sharing contract cannot coordinate the channel individually but revenue and delivery cost sharing contract jointly coordinate the channel. All analytical results are illustrated numerically, along with sensitivity analysis.

Research limitations/implications

There are many correlated issues that need to be further investigated. First, one good extension to this research may include the consideration of the channel structure with competitive retailers. It will be interesting to analyze the performance of coordination mechanisms by considering the retailer as a Stackelberg leader in retailing.

Originality/value

The findings and subsequent methodological discussions aim to provide practical guidance to retailers who are allowing customers to choose how, when and where they interact and purchase by offering a combination of websites (fully functional and mobile-enabled), catalogs and stores with increasing convergence of channels.
Text mining based theme logic structure identification: application in library journals
Authors: Zhu Qing , Wu Yiqiong , Li Yuze , Han Jing , Zhou Xiaoyang
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Library intelligence institutions, which are a kind of traditional knowledge management organization, are at the frontline of the big data revolution, in which the use of unstructured data has become a modern knowledge management resource. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This research combined theme logic structure (TLS), artificial neural network (ANN), and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) to transform unstructured data into a signal-wave to examine the research characteristics.

Findings

Research characteristics have a vital effect on knowledge management activities and management behavior through concentration and relaxation, and ultimately form a quasi-periodic evolution. Knowledge management should actively control the evolution of the research characteristics because the natural development of six to nine years was found to be difficult to plot.

Originality/value

Periodic evaluation using TLS-ANN-EEMD gives insights into journal evolution and allows journal managers and contributors to follow the intrinsic mode functions and predict the journal research characteristics tendencies.
Insect pollination as an agronomic input: Strategies for oilseed rape production
Authors: Garratt Michael P. D. , Bishop Jacob , Degani Erika , Potts Simon G. , Shaw Rosalind F. , Shi Anmei , Roy Shovonlal
Published: March 2018

Ecological intensification involves the incorporation of biodiversity‐based ecosystem service management into farming systems in order to make crop production more sustainable and reduce reliance on anthropogenic inputs, including fertilizer and insecticides.

The benefits of effectively managing ecosystem services such as pollination and pest regulation for improved yields have been demonstrated in a number of studies, however, recent evidence indicates that these benefits interact with conventional agronomic inputs such as fertilizer and irrigation. Despite the important contribution of biodiversity‐based ecosystem services to crop production their management is rarely considered in combination with more conventional agronomic inputs.

This study combines a number of complementary approaches to evaluate the impact of insect pollination on yield parameters of Brassica napus and how this interacts with a key agronomic input, fertilizer. We incorporate data from a flight cage trial and multiple field studies to quantify the relationships between yield parameters to determine whether insufficient insect pollination may limit crop yield.

We demonstrate that, by producing larger seeds and more pods, B. napus has the capacity to modulate investment across yield parameters and buffer sub‐optimal inputs of fertilizer or pollination. However, only when fertilizer is not limiting can the crop benefit from insect pollination, with yield increases due to insect pollination only seen under high fertilizer application.

A nonlinear relationship between seed set per pod and yield per plant was found, with increases in seed set between 15 and 25 seeds per pod resulting in a consistent increase in crop yield. The capacity for the crop to compensate for lower seed set due to sub‐optimal pollination is therefore limited.

Synthesis and applications. Oilseed rape has the capacity to compensate for sub‐optimal agronomic or ecosystem service inputs although this has limitations. Insect pollination can increase seed set and so there are production benefits to be gained through effective management of wild pollinators or by utilizing managed species. Our study demonstrates, however, that increased insect pollination cannot simply replace other inputs, and if resources such as fertilizer are limiting, then yield potential cannot be reached. We highlight the need to consider insect pollination as an agronomic input to be effectively managed in agricultural systems.
Ideology and Effective Government: Lessons from Rudd–Gillard Labor
Authors: Edwards Lindy
Published: March 2018

Our democracy is predicated on voters choosing between political parties with competing ideologies that translate into different policy outcomes. Nonetheless, claims that ideology is of declining importance are common, and were a feature of the Rudd–Gillard Labor government. This paper seeks to examine the relationship between ideology and policy outcomes under that government. It defines Labor ideology by identifying the areas of consensus between three competing Labor traditions, and then examines the party's budget decisions on those policy areas. It finds that on the ideological consensus issues of income redistribution, public health and public education they implemented a substantial and coherent reform agenda consistent with Labor ideology. The consistency on the consensus issues contrasts with the ‘flip‐flopping’ on issues that were ideologically contested within the party, suggesting that far from being irrelevant, ideology was central to explaining both the strengths and weaknesses of Rudd–Gillard Labor.
The effect of spinal hyperbaric bupivacaine–fentanyl or hyperbaric bupivacaine on uterine tone and fetal heart rate in labouring women: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Kuberan A. , Jain K. , Bagga R. , Makkar J. K.
Published: March 2018

The mechanism for fetal heart rate abnormalities following spinal opioids remains controversial. We evaluated uterine tone, using an intra‐uterine pressure catheter, and fetal heart rate abnormalities in 30 women in spontaneous labour with cervical dilation of 3–5 cm having combined spinal‐epidural analgesia. Women were randomly assigned to receive a spinal with 2.0 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 15 μg fentanyl, or 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. The primary outcome measure was an increase > 10 mmHg in baseline uterine tone in the 30‐min period following spinal injection. Only three (20%) women who had a bupivacaine–fentanyl spinal showed a > 10 mmHg increase in baseline tone vs. none who had bupivacaine (p = 0.63). The mean (SD) baseline uterine tone after the spinal injection was 13.3 (7.0) mmHg in the bupivacaine–fentanyl group and 7.7 (2.5) mmHg in the bupivacaine group (p = 0.01). Seven (47%) in the bupivacaine–fentanyl group showed new onset fetal heart rate changes during the 30‐min period after the spinal, compared with two (13%) in the bupivacaine group (p = 0.04); however, these were transient and responded to intra‐uterine resuscitation. Pain scores, sensory and motor block as well as neonatal outcomes were comparable between the groups. We found that raised baseline uterine tone was not more frequent when using bupivacaine–fentanyl rather than bupivacaine in the spinal component of combined spinal‐epidural, although absolute values of baseline tone were higher, and fetal heart rate changes more frequent, in the former group.
Influence of endometrial thickness on pregnancy rates in modified natural cycle frozen‐thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Groenewoud Eva R. , Cohlen Ben J. , Al‐Oraiby Amani , Brinkhuis Egbert A. , Broekmans Frank J. M. , de Bruin Jan‐Peter , van Dool Grada , Fleisher Katrin , Friederich Jaap , Goddijn Mariëtte , Hoek Annemieke , Hoozemans Diederik A. , Kaaijk Eugenie M. , Koks Caroliene A. M. , Laven Joop S. E. , van der Linden Paul J. Q. , Manger A. Petra , van Rumste Minouche , Spinder Taeke , Macklon Nick S.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Pregnancy after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET) is a multifactorial process. Although embryo quality is a key factor in determining pregnancy, other factors, including maternal determinants, are also considered to be predictive. Even though an association between endometrial thickness measured by transvaginal ultrasound and pregnancy rates has been reported in patients undergoing various assisted reproductive technology treatments, whether endometrial thickness predicts achieving pregnancy after natural cycle FET (NC‐FET) remains unclear.

Material and methods

In this cohort study, 463 patients allocated to the modified NC‐FET (mNC‐FET) arm of a previously published randomized controlled trial were included. Monitoring in mNC‐FET cycles consisted of regular ultrasound scans, measuring both dominant follicle and endometrial thickness. When the dominant follicle reached a size of 16–20 mm, an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin was administered and embryo thawing and transfer planned. No minimal endometrial thickness was defined below which transfer was to be deferred. The primary endpoint was ongoing pregnancy rate.

Results

Overall, the ongoing pregnancy rate per started FET cycle was 12.5%. Multivariate regression analyses showed that embryo quality was the only significant predictor for ongoing pregnancy. Mean endometrial thickness did not differ between patients achieving ongoing pregnancy and those who did not (9.0 vs. 8.8 mm, p = 0.4). Comparable results were obtained with regard to clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates. The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.5, indicating little discriminatory value of endometrial thickness.

Conclusions

Given that endometrial thickness was not found to be predictive of pregnancy after mNC‐FET, cancellation based on endometrial thickness alone may not be justified.
Prediction of macrophyte distribution: The role of natural versus anthropogenic physical disturbances
Authors: Bertrin Vincent , Boutry Sébastien , Alard Didier , Haury Jacques , Jan Gwilherm , Moreira Sylvia , Ribaudo Cristina
Published: March 2018

Questions

Do natural and anthropogenic physical disturbances equally affect the distribution of aquatic plant communities? Can hydrodynamic and geomorphological features be used to predict the establishment of macrophyte communities at the shoreline scale?

Locations

Two large, shallow lakes, southwest France.

Methods

Based on field observations (vegetation occurrence and anthropogenic modifications of the shore) and data generated by a geographic information system (wave exposure, wave‐induced sediment re‐suspension, slope and land cover), we defined sites and community groups using cluster and indicator species analyses. The groups were then analysed by means of a statistical classifier (Random Forest). These different steps in data treatment enabled us to characterize the importance of each physical factor in determining macrophyte occurrence and distribution. As a result, a predictive map to forecast aquatic plant distribution at the shoreline scale was obtained.

Results

Anthropogenic disturbances were less important parameters than natural physical variables in structuring the distribution of lakeshore macrophytes. Within natural factors, wave‐induced sediment re‐suspension and slope had the most impact; nevertheless, the presence of swimming areas seemed to have a strong impact on aquatic habitats, being correlated with the total absence of aquatic vegetation. The predictive map obtained through the model spatially defined the position and occurrence of suitable sites for the settlement of both invasive and rare and endangered species.

Conclusions

In this study, natural disturbances play a major role in structuring aquatic plant distribution over physical anthropogenic factors. The model contributes to improving knowledge on plant communities with respect to local hydrodynamic and morphological features of lakeshores. Furthermore, the model provides a predictive map as a useful tool for the management of aquatic vegetation in temperate shallow lakes.
Molecular genetic studies in a case series of isolated hypoaldosteronism due to biosynthesis defects or aldosterone resistance
Authors: Turan Ihsan , Kotan Leman Damla , Tastan Mehmet , Gurbuz Fatih , Topaloglu Ali Kemal , Yuksel Bilgin
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

Hypoaldosteronism is associated with either insufficient aldosterone production or aldosterone resistance (pseudohypoaldosteronism). Patients with aldosterone defects typically present with similar symptoms and findings, which include failure to thrive, vomiting, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Accurate diagnosis of these clinical conditions therefore can be challenging. Molecular genetic analyses can help to greatly clarify this complexity. The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with aldosterone defects due to biosynthesis defects or aldosterone resistance.

Design and Patients

We investigated the clinical and molecular genetic features of 8 consecutive patients with a clinical picture of aldosterone defects seen in our clinics during the period of May 2015 through October 2017. We screened CYP11B2 for aldosterone synthesis defects and NR3C2 and the three EnaC subunits (SCNN1A, SCNN1B and SCNN1G) for aldosterone resistance.

Results

We found 4 novel and 2 previously reported mutations in the genes CYP11B2, NR3C2, SCNN1A and SCNN1G in 9 affected individuals from 7 unrelated families.

Conclusion

Molecular genetic investigations can help confidently diagnose these conditions and clarify the pathogenicity of aldosterone defects. This study may expand the clinical and genetic correlations of defects in aldosterone synthesis or resistance.
Long non‐coding RNAs in melanoma
Authors: Yu Xin , Zheng Heyi , Tse Gary , Chan Matthew TV , Wu William KK
Published: March 2018

Melanoma is the most lethal cutaneous cancer with a highly aggressive and metastatic phenotype. While recent genetic and epigenetic studies have shed new insights into the mechanism of melanoma development, the involvement of regulatory non‐coding RNAs remain unclear. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of endogenous non‐protein‐coding RNAs with the capacity to regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Recent evidences have shown that lncRNAs can regulate many cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. In the melanoma, deregulation of a number of lncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, MALAT1, BANCR, ANRIL, SPRY‐IT1 and SAMMSON, have been reported. Our review summarizes the functional role of lncRNAs in melanoma and their potential clinical application for diagnosis, prognostication and treatment.
‘Engineered’ University‐Industry Collaboration: A Social Capital Perspective
Authors: Al‐Tabbaa Omar , Ankrah Samuel
Published: March 2018

While there is an extensive body of knowledge on university‐industry collaboration (UIC) for technology transfer, two salient gaps remain. First, studies on UIC have predominately focused on situations when the relationship is established based on perceived complementary needs between collaborators. However, research on ‘engineered’ UIC, or when the collaboration has been triggered and coordinated by a third‐party, is still scarce. Second, we lack proper understanding into the micro‐foundations of technology transfer process using the lens of social capital (SC). This is a necessary inquiry given the prevailing conception of technology transfer as a socio‐technical process. We address these two gaps by investigating the idiosyncrasy of SC in five case studies of the Faraday Partnership Initiative, a UK public‐sponsored programme designed to enhance cross‐sector technology transfer. As key contributions, we develop a conceptual framework that explains how social capital facilitates technology transfer in engineered UIC. We also advance the debate on academic engagement and commercialization by elaborating how knowledge produced by academics can be transformed into useable forms of technology by distinguishing between technology translation and transfer. The former emerged as a critical element of the latter.
Prolactin as a candidate sebotrop(h)ic hormone?
Authors: Langan Ewan A. , Hinde Eleanor , Paus Ralf
Published: March 2018

Recognised for its key role in lactation, it is less well appreciated that the neurohormone prolactin (PRL) is actually one of the most pleiotropic hormones known. Not only does PRL exert both tropic and trophic effects in a wide range of tissues, but it is also expressed in human skin and hair follicles and regulates multiple complex cutaneous functions, including keratin expression and hair growth. Despite several clinical indications that PRL may also play a role in sebaceous gland (SG) biology, the effects of PRL on SG function have received little attention. In this Viewpoint essay, we argue that PRL may be a sebotrop(h)ic hormone and could represent a novel therapeutic target in human dermatoses affecting the SG. We provide preliminary evidence in support of this hypothesis (based on findings in human skin organ culture) and chart the major open questions in SG biology and pathology from a PRL research perspective. We close by delineating how these questions can be experimentally addressed so as to identify new therapeutic strategies that are either sebogenic or sebostatic, for example in the management of acne and cutaneous ageing.
IKKs and tumor cell plasticity
Authors: Göktuna Serkan I. , Diamanti Michaela A. , Chau Tieu Lan
Published: March 2018

Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) transcription factors are the central hubs of signaling pathways connecting proinflammatory signals to cell survival, proliferation and cytokine production. In cancers, NF‐κB signaling influences many aspects of tumor development, from initiation to metastasis. These functions are mediated by tumor‐induced plasticity that allows tumor cells to adapt and survive in changing conditions within the tumor microenvironment. Tumor cell plasticity is shaped by the inflammatory microenvironment in tumors. This review focuses on inhibitor of NF‐κB kinases, the direct upstream elements of NF‐κB regulation, specifically on their conventional and non‐conventional functions in animal models of tumorigenesis from the recent literature.
Joan Acker's influence on Management and Organization Studies: Review, analysis and directions for the future
Authors: Nkomo Stella M. , Rodriguez Jenny K.
Published: March 2018

This paper pays tribute to Joan Acker by discussing how her ideas have been utilized in Management and Organization Studies (MOS). Through a systematic review of journal articles citing Acker's scholarship from 2000 to 2017 (September), we show how recent scholarship has used Acker to advance discussions in the field and examine how her work was received, and which promises made by her work are still to be met. We identify avenues to carry her legacy forward with a view to realizing the transformative goal she posed as central to meaningful change in social, political and economic life through scholarship in the field of gender and organizations.
The impact of the crisis and austerity on low educated working women: The cases of Spain and Portugal
Authors: Távora Isabel , Rodríguez‐Modroño Paula
Published: March 2018

This article investigates the impact of the recent economic crisis and associated austerity agenda on working low educated women in Portugal and Spain. It draws firstly on a comparative analysis of Eurostat Labour Force Survey data, recent reform to the labour market and care policy; secondly, on qualitative research exploring changes in low educated women's employment, family arrangements and values. The findings reveal that in both countries low educated women maintained their labour market attachment but faced increased risks of labour market exclusion, precarity and low pay. However, the weight of women's household income contributions increased in the context of male unemployment and earnings insecurity, which reinforced women's work attachment. Moreover, employment appeared critical to women's identity and associated with egalitarian values. Despite greater protection of equality policies and welfare support for dual‐earner families in Portugal, the evidence suggests a negative impact of austerity on work–family reconciliation opportunities for low educated women in both countries.
Consensus opinion on diagnosis and management of thrombotic microangiopathy in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Fox Lucy C. , Cohney Solomon J. , Kausman Joshua Y. , Shortt Jake , Hughes Peter D. , Wood Erica M. , Isbel Nicole M. , de Malmanche Theo , Durkan Anne , Hissaria Pravin , Blombery Piers , Barbour Thomas D.
Published: March 2018

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) arises in a variety of clinical circumstances with the potential to cause significant dysfunction of the kidneys, brain, gastrointestinal tract and heart. TMA should be considered in all patients with thrombocytopenia and anaemia, with an immediate request to the haematology laboratory to look for red cell fragments on a blood film. Although TMA of any aetiology generally demands prompt treatment, this is especially so in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), where organ failure may be precipitous, irreversible and fatal. In all adults, urgent, empirical plasma exchange (PE) should be started within 4–8 h of presentation for a possible diagnosis of TTP, pending a result for ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease thrombospondin, number 13) activity. A sodium citrate plasma sample should be collected for ADAMTS13 testing prior to any plasma therapy. In children, Shiga toxin‐associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome due to infection with Escherichia coli (STEC‐HUS) is the commonest cause of TMA, and is managed supportively. If TTP and STEC‐HUS have been excluded, a diagnosis of aHUS should be considered, for which treatment is with the monoclonal complement C5 inhibitor, eculizumab. Although early confirmation of aHUS is often not possible, except in the minority of patients in whom auto‐antibodies against factor H are identified, genetic testing ultimately reveals a complement‐related mutation in a significant proportion of aHUS cases. The presence of other TMA‐associated conditions (e.g. infection, pregnancy/postpartum and malignant hypertension) does not exclude TTP or aHUS as the underlying cause of TMA.
Low‐level laser therapy as an adjunct to connective tissue graft procedure in the treatment of gingival recession defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to connective tissue graft (CTG) procedure for the treatment of gingival recession (GR).

Materials and Methods

The addressed PICO question was; “In patients with Miller Class I or II recession defects (Population), what is the effect of LLLT as adjunct to CTG (Intervention) in comparison to CTG alone (Comparison) on gingival recession depth (Outcome)” Electronic databases were searched up to December 2017. Primary outcomes included gingival recession depth (GRD), whereas secondary outcomes were width of keratinized tissue (WKT) and relative clinical attachment level gain (RCAL). The weighted mean differences (WMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each variable were calculated using random effect model.

Results

Four randomized clinical studies were included. Two studies showed significantly greater improvements with LLLT whereas, 2 studies showed comparable outcomes between LLLT and CTG group. Considering the effects of adjunctive LLLT as compared to CTG, a high degree of heterogeneity for GRD (Q value = 9.40, P = .02, I2 =68.11%) and WKT ((Q value = 16.04, P = .001, I2 =81.31%) was noticed among both the groups. Meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant GRD (WMD= −0.61, 95% CI= −1.23 to 0.004, P = .05) for LLLT + CTG treatment versus CTG alone only.

Conclusions

LLLT improves clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of CTG procedures for the treatment of GR remains debatable. However, due to the small number of included studies and high heterogeneity in the laser parameters, precautions must be exercised when interpreting the results of the present systematic review.

Clinical Significance

Gingival recessions in dentistry are of major esthetic concern. Minimal gingival recessions can be treated by flap operations, but the predictability and stability of the outcomes is debatable. In the present review, low level laser therapy (LLLT) adjunct to connective tissue graft (CTG) depicted a significant improvement in the predictability and stability of root coverage outcomes compared with CTG alone.
Redescription of Dekeyseria picta (Siluriformes; Loricariidae), a poorly known ancistrin from the Amazon and Orinoco Basins
Authors: Silva R. R. , Rapp Py–Daniel L. H.
Published: March 2018

A re‐evaluation of Dekeyseria brachyura and D. pulchra found them to be junior synonyms of D. picta, the oldest species among these congeners, based on continuous intraspecific variation in morphometrics and colour pattern. Examination of material deposited at Brazilian and Venezuelan collections, including the original type specimens of Ancistrus brachyurus and A. pictus, plus samples recently collected in the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil, allowed re‐evaluation of the taxonomic status of D. picta and provides additional information on its distribution, habitats and reproductive strategies.
National Prescribing Trends for High‐Risk Anticholinergic Medications in Older Adults
Authors: Rhee Taeho Greg , Choi Yookyung Christy , Ouellet Gregory M. , Ross Joseph S.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To estimate prescribing tends of and correlates independently associated with high‐risk anticholinergic prescriptions in adults aged 65 and older in office‐based outpatient visits.

Design

Repeated cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).

Participants

A national sample of office‐based physician visits by adults aged 65 and older from 2006 to 2015 (n=96,996 unweighted).

Measurements

Prescriptions of high‐risk anticholinergics, regardless of indication, were identified, and overall prescribing trends were estimated from 2006 to 2015. Stratified analyses of prescribing trends according to physician specialty and anticholinergic drug class were also performed. We used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds of high‐risk anticholinergic prescription.

Results

Between 2006 and 2015, a high‐risk anticholinergic prescription was listed for 5,876 (6.2%) 96,996 visits of older adults, representative of 14.6 million total visits nationally. The most common drug classes were antidepressants, antimuscarinics, and antihistamines, which accounted for more than 70% of prescribed anticholinergics. Correlates independently associated with greater odds of receiving a high‐risk anticholinergic prescription were female sex, the Southern geographic region, specific physician specialties (e.g., psychiatry, urology), receipt of 6 or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and related clinical diagnoses (e.g., urinary continence) (p<.01 for all).

Conclusion

The prevalence of high‐risk anticholinergic prescriptions was stable over time but varied according to physician specialty and drug class. Quality prescribing should be promoted because safer alternatives are available.
Let‐7c restores radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity and impairs stemness in oral cancer cells through inhibiting interleukin‐8
Authors: Peng Chih‐Yu , Wang Tung‐Yuan , Lee Shiuan‐Shinn , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Liao Yi‐Wen , Tsai Lo‐Lin , Fang Chih‐Yuan , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Hsieh Ching‐Shui
Published: March 2018

Background

The let‐7 family of microRNAs has been considered as tumor suppressors in various cancers; however, the role of let‐7c in oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been determined yet.

Methods

In this study, phenotypical behaviors and the radio/chemoresistance were examined subsequent to overexpression of let‐7c. In addition, the expression of let‐7c in cancer stem cells (CSCs) was evaluated and the effect of let‐7c on stemness characteristics was assessed. Also, luciferase activity assays were performed to test whether interleukin (IL)‐8 was a putative target of let‐7c.

Results

Our results confirmed that the expression of let‐7c in CSCs was reduced, while overexpression of let‐7c attenuated the oncogenicity. Moreover, ectopic expression of let‐7c in CSCs downregulated the stemness hallmarks and the radio/chemoresistance. Expression and secretion of IL‐8 in oral CSCs were both reduced following overexpression of let‐7c. Besides, the inhibitory effect of let‐7c on various stemness phenotypes was reverted by IL‐8, indicating that lower expression of let‐7c may confer higher cancer stemness through a failure to downregulate IL‐8.

Conclusion

These findings revealed the significance of let‐7c in the contribution of oral cancer stemness and radio/chemoresistance. Targeting let‐7c and its downstream IL‐8 may be beneficial to prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Comparative assessment of growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds exposed to summer heat stress
Authors: Pragna P. , Sejian V. , Bagath M. , Krishnan G. , Archana P. R. , Soren N. M. , Beena V. , Bhatta R.
Published: March 2018

A study was conducted to assess comparatively the growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds during exposure to summer heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to observe the heat stress impact on the growth performance based on the body weight changes, allometric measurements, growth hormone (GH) concentration and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mRNA expression pattern during the summer season in comparison with the local breed (Osmanabadi). Thirty‐six ten‐month‐ to one‐year‐old female goats of Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black breeds were randomly divided into six groups, OC (n = 6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n = 6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MC (n = 6; Malabari control), MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress), SBC (n = 6; Salem Black control) and SBHS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). Body weight was recorded at weekly intervals, whereas other growth and allometric measurements and blood collection were carried out at fortnightly intervals. Breed factor significantly (p < .05) influenced only few growth variables such as body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body condition score (BCS). However, heat stress treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced all growth parameters expect BMI. Further, the heat stress significantly (p < .01) increased plasma GH concentration in goats with significantly higher (p < .05) concentration recorded in OHS. Among the stress groups, the lower (p < .05) PBMC IGF‐1 mRNA expression was recorded in OHS, while the higher (p < .05) expression was observed in SBHS indicating the extreme adaptive capability of Salem Black breed. Thus, the results indicated that the Salem Black breed performed much better compared to both Osmanabadi and Malabari breeds indicating the superior ability of this breed to adapt to heat stress challenges. The results also indicated that plasma GH and IGF‐1 gene may act as ideal biomarkers for assessing the heat stress impact on growth performance in indigenous goats.
The impact of caffeine consumption during 50 hr of extended wakefulness on glucose metabolism, self‐reported hunger and mood state
Authors: Grant Crystal L. , Coates Alison M. , Dorrian Jillian , Paech Gemma M. , Pajcin Maja , Della Vedova Chris , Johnson Kayla , Kamimori Gary H. , Fidock Justin , Aidman Eugene , Banks Siobhan
Published: March 2018

Caffeine is known for its capacity to mitigate performance decrements. The metabolic side‐effects are less well understood. This study examined the impact of cumulative caffeine doses on glucose metabolism, self‐reported hunger and mood state during 50 hr of wakefulness. In a double‐blind laboratory study, participants were assigned to caffeine (n = 9, 6M, age 21.3 ± 2.1 years; body mass index 21.9 ± 1.6 kg/m2) or placebo conditions (n = 8, 4M, age 23.0 ± 2.8 years; body mass index 21.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Following a baseline sleep (22:00 hours–08:00 hours), participants commenced 50 hr of sleep deprivation. Meal timing and composition were controlled throughout the study. Caffeine (200 mg) or placebo gum was chewed for 5 min at 01:00 hours, 03:00 hours, 05:00 hours and 07:00 hours during each night of sleep deprivation. Continual glucose monitors captured interstitial glucose 2 hr post‐breakfast, at 5‐min intervals. Hunger and mood state were assessed at 10:00 hours, 16:30 hours, 22:30 hours and 04:30 hours. Caffeine did not affect glucose area under the curve (p = 0.680); however, glucose response to breakfast significantly increased after 2 nights of extended wakefulness compared with baseline (p = 0.001). There was a significant main effect of day, with increased tiredness (p < 0.001), mental exhaustion (p < 0.001), irritability (p = 0.002) and stress (p < 0.001) on the second day of extended wake compared with day 1. Caffeine attenuated the rise in tiredness (p < 0.001), mental exhaustion (p = 0.044) and irritability (p = 0.018) on day 1 but not day 2. Self‐reported hunger was not affected by sleep deprivation or caffeine. These data confirm the effectiveness of caffeine in improving performance under conditions of sleep deprivation by reducing feelings of tiredness, mental exhaustion and irritability without exacerbating glucose metabolism and feelings of hunger.
Identified OAS3 gene variants associated with coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Wang S. , Wang J. , Fan M‐J. , Li T‐Y. , Pan H. , Wang X. , Liu H‐K. , Lin Q‐F. , Zhang J‐G. , Guan L‐P. , Zhernakova D. V. , O’Brien S. J. , Feng Z‐R. , Chang L. , Dai E‐H. , Lu J‐H. , Xi H‐L. , Zeng Z. , Yu Y‐Y. , Wang B‐B.
Published: March 2018

The underlying mechanism of coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti‐HBs) is still controversial. To identify the host genetic factors related to this unusual clinical phenomenon, a two‐stage study was conducted in the Chinese Han population. In the first stage, we performed a case‐control (1:1) age‐ and gender‐matched study of 101 cases with concurrent HBsAg and anti‐HBs and 102 controls with negative HBsAg and positive anti‐HBs using whole exome sequencing. In the second validation stage, we directly sequence the 16 exons on the OAS3 gene in two dependent cohorts of 48 cases and 200 controls. Although, in the first stage, a genome‐wide association study of 58,563 polymorphism variants in 101 cases and 102 controls found no significant loci (P‐value ≤ .05/58563), and neither locus achieved a conservative genome‐wide significance threshold (P‐value ≤ 5e‐08), gene‐based burden analysis showed that OAS3 gene rare variants were associated with the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs. (P‐value = 4.127e‐06 ≤ 0.05/6994). A total of 16 rare variants were screened out from 21 cases and 3 controls. In the second validation stage, one case with a stop‐gained rare variant was identified. Fisher’s exact test of all 149 cases and 302 controls showed that the rare coding sequence mutations were more frequent in cases vs controls (P‐value = 7.299e‐09, OR = 17.27, 95% CI [5.01‐58.72]). Protein‐coding rare variations on the OAS3 gene are associated with the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in patients with chronic HBV infection in Chinese Han population.