bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in yield and agronomic traits of soybean cultivars released in China in the last 60 years
Authors: Qin Xiaoliang , Feng Fan , Li Dexiao , Herbert Stephen J. , Liao Yuncheng , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: June 2017

Breeding and cultivar improvement are important for increasing crop yields. In this study, 1472 soybean cultivars released in the last 60 years and 683 landrace cultivars from three regions of China (North spring soybean region, Yellow-Huai-Hai summer soybean region, and South soybean region) were collated to examine changes in agronomic characters and plant density that might be associated with yield improvement. The yield and 100-seed weight of the soybean cultivars increased significantly over time in all three regions. Planting density decreased significantly in the Yellow-Huai-Hai summer and South soybean regions but did not significantly change in the North spring soybean region. The increased soybean yields were mainly due to increased 100-seed weight and seed number per plant. Seed protein content has not significantly changed in 60 years, but oil content has increased in all three regions. The North spring soybean region had the highest oil content, whereas the South soybean region had the highest protein content. Future increases in soybean yield in China may occur by improving seed number per plant without reducing 100-seed weight. The North spring region should focus on breeding soybean with high oil content, and the Yellow-Huai-Hai summer and South regions should focus on high protein and low oil contents.
How an alloreactive T-cell receptor achieves peptide and MHC specificity
Authors: Wang Yuan , Singh Nishant K. , Spear Timothy T. , Hellman Lance M. , Piepenbrink Kurt H. , McMahan Rachel H. , Rosen Hugo R. , Vander Kooi Craig W. , Nishimura Michael I. , Baker Brian M.
Published: June 2017

Significance

T-cell alloreactivity drives transplant rejection. Alloreactive recognition is believed to proceed with limited specificity, accounting for the high numbers of alloreactive T cells in humans. Paradoxically, however, many T cells recognize alloantigens with high specificity, and receptors from such T cells are being explored for use in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we explain how a T-cell receptor (TCR) achieves high specificity toward a peptide antigen presented by allo-major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Counter to prevailing theories of alloreactivity, we find that TCR recognition is driven by a cooperative interplay between features unique to both the allo-MHC and the peptide, such that binding is both MHC- and peptide-centric. Our results have broad implications for the determinants of immune recognition and efforts in immunotherapy.
Emotionally guiding our actions
Authors: Carman Mary
Published: June 2017

If emotions have a rational role in action, then one challenge for accounting for how we can act rationally when acting emotionally is to show how we can guide our actions by our emotional considerations, seen as reasons. In this paper, I put forward a novel proposal for how this can be so. Drawing on the interconnection between emotions, cares and caring, I argue that, as the emotional agent is a caring agent, she can be aware of the emotional consideration as a pro tanto reason favouring an action choice and, even, as the reason for which she should act.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Seknazi Daniel , Coscas Florence , Sellam Alexandre , Rouimi Fabien , Coscas Gabriel , Souied Eric H. , Glacet-Bernard Agnès
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To study correlations in patients with retinal vein occlusion between the automatically quantified macular vascular densities in the superficial and deep capillary plexus (DCP) obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and the data from conventional examination, particularly visual acuity and peripheral retinal nonperfusion assessed using fluorescein angiography (FA).

Methods:

Retrospective, observational study of patients with retinal vein occlusion who underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including FA and OCTA using the AngioVue OCTA system version 2015.100.0.35 (OptovueRTVue XR 100; AVANTI, Inc, Fremont, CA). Vascular densities in the superficial capillary plexus and DCP, as well as the area of the foveal avascular zone, were measured using the AngioAnalytics software.

Results:

Our study of 65 eyes of 61 patients (33 men, mean age: 67 years) showed a significant correlation between peripheral nonperfusion on FA and (1) automatically quantified global vascular density in both plexus (P = 0.021 for the DCP) and (2) foveal avascular zone area (P = 0.037). We also found significant correlations between capillary dropouts in both plexus and peripheral nonperfusion (P < 0.001 for both) and between visual acuity and vascular densities (P = 0.002 for the global density in the DCP). Global density less than 46% in the DCP was associated to the presence of peripheral nonperfusion area on FA (P = 0.003) and to enlargement of the superficial foveal avascular zone (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated a significant correlation between automatically quantified macular vascular density on OCTA and peripheral nonperfusion on FA; OCTA could help identify high-risk retinal vein occlusion patients who may benefit from further evaluation using FA.
Angiopoietins and Tie2 in vascular inflammation
Authors: Parikh Samir M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

As a subset of the organism-wide reaction to severe infection, the host vascular response has received increasing attention in recent years. The transformation that small blood vessels undergo to facilitate the clearance of pathogens may become harmful to the host if it occurs too broadly or if it is sustained too long. Adverse clinical manifestations of leaky and inflamed blood vessels include edema impairing the function of critical organs and circulatory shock.

Recent findings

The study suggests that this host vascular response may be both measurable and potentially targetable. Tie2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) heavily enriched in the vascular endothelium whose tonic signaling actively maintains vascular quiescence. When Tie2 becomes inactivated, important molecular brakes are released in the endothelium, which in turn potentiate inflammation and vascular leakage. The ligands of Tie2, Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2, regulate its activation status. Genetic and molecular studies spanning thousands of humans link Tie2 and imbalance of the Angiopoietins to major adverse clinical events arising from bacterial sepsis, other severe infections, and even acute sterile inflammation.

The Tie2 signaling axis may constitute a molecular switch in systemic inflammation that can be measured and manipulated to target the host vascular response therapeutically.
Transformational Impact on Direct Care Nurses' Supporting the Magnet Site Visit
Authors: Winslow Susan , Brough Joani , Cook Lesley , Cutrell Susan , Robison C. J. , Smith Catherine
Published: June 2017

Exposure to strategic project and workforce preparation for nursing excellence throughout organizational American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet journeys has been observed as positively impacting the escort nurse's personal goal setting and achievement beyond the site visit. This article describes a project undertaken to capture the characteristics of staff nurses serving as Magnet escorts for hospital site visits. The positive relationship of that experience on goal setting and future workplace volunteerism for projects is presented. An association with nurse confidence through perceived self-efficacy is explored. The results have significance for leader and staff involvement in nursing projects and strategic goal achievement.
Dynamic Rheology for the Prediction of Surgical Outcomes in Autologous Fat Grafting
Authors: Luan Anna , Zielins Elizabeth R. , Wearda Taylor , Atashroo David A. , Blackshear Charles P. , Raphel Jordan , Brett Elizabeth A. , Flacco John , Alyono Michael C. , Momeni Arash , Heilshorn Sarah , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Because of the abundance and biocompatibility of fat, lipotransfer has become an attractive method for treating soft-tissue deficits. However, it is limited by unpredictable graft survival and retention. Currently, little is known about the viscoelastic properties of fat after various injection methods. Here, the authors assess the effects of cannula diameter, length, and shape on the viscoelastic properties, structure, and retention of fat.

Methods:

Human lipoaspirate was harvested using suction-assisted liposuction and prepared for grafting. A syringe pump was used to inject fat at a controlled flow rate through cannulas of varying gauges, lengths, and shapes. Processed samples were tested in triplicate on an oscillatory rheometer to measure their viscoelastic properties. Fat grafts from each group were placed into the scalps of immunocompromised mice. After 8 weeks, graft retention was measured using micro–computed tomography and grafts were explanted for histologic analysis.

Results:

Lipoaspirate injected through narrower, longer, and bent cannulas exhibited more shear thinning with diminished quality. The storage modulus (G′) of fat processed with 18-gauge cannulas was significantly lower than when processed with 14-gauge or larger cannulas, which also corresponded with inferior in vivo histologic structure. Similarly, the longer cannula group had a significantly lower storage modulus than the shorter cannula, and was associated with decreased graft retention.

Conclusions:

Discrete modifications in the methods used for fat placement can have a significant impact on immediate graft integrity, and ultimately on graft survival and quality. Respecting these biomechanical influences during the placement phase of lipotransfer may allow surgeons to optimize outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, V.
Conversion for Unfavorable Intraoperative Events Results in Significantly Worse Outcomes During Laparoscopic Liver Resection
Authors: Halls Mark C. , Cipriani Federica , Berardi Giammauro , Barkhatov Leonid , Lainas Panagiotis , Alzoubi Mohammed , D’Hondt Mathieu , Rotellar Fernando , Dagher Ibrahim , Aldrighetti Luca , Troisi Roberto I. , Edwin Bjorn , Abu Hilal Mohammed
Published: June 2017

Objective:

To investigate the risk factors for conversion during laparoscopic liver resection and its effect on patient outcome in a large cohort of patients. Additional analysis of outcomes in patients who required conversion for unfavorable intraoperative findings and conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events will be performed to establish if the cause of conversion effects outcome.

Summary Background Data:

Multiple previous studies demonstrate that laparoscopic liver surgery reduces intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and morbidity while maintaining comparable oncological and survival outcomes when compared with open liver resections. However, limited information is available regarding the possible sequelae of conversion to open surgery, especially with regards to cause of conversion.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 2861 cases from prospectively maintained databases of 7 tertiary liver centers across Europe was performed.

Results:

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, previous liver resection(s), resections for malignant lesions, postero-superior location, and the extent of the resection are associated with an increased risk of conversion. Patients who require conversion have longer operations with higher blood loss; a longer HDU and total hospital stay, increased frequency and severity of complications and higher 30- and 90-day mortality. Patients who had an elective conversion for an unfavorable intraoperative finding had better outcomes than patients who had an emergency conversion secondary to an unfavorable intraoperative event in terms of HDU and total hospital stay, severity of complication, and 90-day mortality.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the risk factors for conversion and suggests that conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events is associated with worse outcomes.
Robotic Verse Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 11 Individual Studies
Authors: Duan Bo-Shi , Zhao Jian , Xie Long-Fei , Wang Yue
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Robotic surgery is a new technique with the benefits of a 3-dimensional view, the ability to use multidegree-of-freedom forceps, the elimination of physiological tremors, and a stable camera view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and short-term outcomes of robotic surgery for gastric cancer, compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:

A literature search was performed for comparative studies reporting perioperative outcomes of robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed. The data were analyzed using Stata (Version 13.0) software.

Results:

Eleven studies of 3503 patients totally were included for meta-analysis. Compared with LG, RG indicated potentially favorable outcomes in terms of blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD)=−36.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), −61.39 to −11.61], and time to oral intake (WMD=−0.28; 95% CI, −0.46 to −0.09). But RG suggested longer operative time (WMD=53.48; 95% CI, 38.84-68.12). There were no differences in terms of postoperative flatus, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and lymph nodes harvested (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

RG for the treatment of gastric cancer is a feasible and safe procedure in the hand of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. But the long-term outcomes between the 2 techniques need to be further examined.
DNA metabarcoding for high-throughput monitoring of estuarine macrobenthic communities
Authors: Lobo Jorge , Shokralla Shadi , Costa Maria Helena , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Costa Filipe Oliveira
Published: June 2017

Benthic communities are key components of aquatic ecosystems’ biomonitoring. However, morphology-based species identifications remain a low-throughput, and sometimes ambiguous, approach. Despite metabarcoding methodologies have been applied for above-species taxa inventories in marine meiofaunal communities, a comprehensive approach providing species-level identifications for estuarine macrobenthic communities is still lacking. Here we report a combination of experimental and field studies demonstrating the aptitude of COI metabarcoding to provide robust species-level identifications within a framework of high-throughput monitoring of estuarine macrobenthic communities. To investigate the ability to recover DNA barcodes from all species present in a bulk DNA extract, we assembled 3 phylogenetically diverse communities, using 4 different primer pairs to generate PCR products of the COI barcode region. Between 78 and 83% of the species in the tested communities were recovered through HTS. Subsequently, we compared morphology and metabarcoding-based approaches to determine the species composition from four distinct sites of an estuary. Our results indicate that the species richness would be considerably underestimated if only morphological methods were used. Although further refinement is required for improving the efficiency and output of this approach, here we show the great aptitude of COI metabarcoding to provide high quality and auditable species identifications in macrobenthos monitoring.
Molecular basis for the specific and multivariate recognitions of RNA substrates by human hnRNPA2/B1
Authors: Wu Baixing , Su Shichen , Patil Deepak P. , Liu Hehua , Gan Jianhua , Jaffrey Samie R. , Ma Jinbiao
Published: June 2017

Human hnRNPA2/B1 is an RNA-binding protein that plays important roles in a variety of biological processes, from mRNA maturation, trafficking and translation to regulation of gene expression mediated by long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. hnRNPA2/B1 contains two RNA recognition motifs (RRM) that provide sequence-specific recognition of widespread RNA substrates including recently reported m6A-containing motifs. Here we determined the first crystal structures of tandem RRM domains of hnRNPA2/B1 in complex with various RNA substrates. Our structures reveal that hnRNPA2/B1 can bind two RNA elements in an antiparallel fashion with a sequence preference for AGG and UAG by RRM1 and RRM2, respectively, suggesting an RNA matchmaker mechanism during the hnRNPA2/B1 function. However, our combined studies did not observe specific binding of m6A by either the RRM domains or the full-length hnRNPA2/B1, implying that the “reader” function of hnRNPA2/B1 may adopt an unknown mechanism that remains to be characterized.
Anatomical predictors of successful prism adaptation in chronic visual neglect
Authors: Lunven Marine , Rode Gilles , Bourlon Clémence , Duret Christophe , Migliaccio Raffaella , Chevrillon Emmanuel , Schotten Michel Thiebaut de , Bartolomeo Paolo
Published: June 2017

Visual neglect is a frequent and disabling consequence of right hemisphere damage. Previous work demonstrated a probable role of posterior callosal dysfunction in the chronic persistence of neglect signs. Prism adaptation is a non-invasive and convenient technique to rehabilitate chronic visual neglect, but it is not effective in all patients. Here we aimed to assess the hypothesis that prism adaptation improves left neglect by facilitating compensation through the contribution of the left, undamaged hemisphere. We assessed the relationship between prism adaptation effects, cortical thickness and white matter integrity in a group of 14 patients with unilateral right-hemisphere strokes and chronic visual neglect. Results showed that patients who benefitted from prism adaptation had thicker cortex in temporo-parietal, prefrontal and cingulate areas of the left, undamaged hemisphere. Additionally, these patients had a higher fractional anisotropy value in the body and genu of the corpus callosum. Results from normal controls show that these callosal regions connect temporo-parietal, sensorimotor and prefrontal areas. Finally, shorter time intervals from the stroke tended to improve patients’ response to prism adaptation. We concluded that prism adaptation may improve left visual neglect by promoting the contribution of the left hemisphere to neglect compensation. These results support current hypotheses on the role of the healthy hemisphere in the compensation for stroke-induced, chronic neuropsychological deficits, and suggest that prism adaptation can foster this role by exploiting sensorimotor/prefrontal circuits, especially when applied at early stages post-stroke.
The crystal structure of zwitterionic 2-{[(4-iminiumyl-3-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridin-1-yl)methyl]carbamoyl}benzoate hemihydrate
Authors: Chidan Kumar C. S. , Sim Ai Jia , Ng Weng Zhun , Chia Tze Shyang , Loh Wan-Sin , Kwong Huey Chong , Quah Ching Kheng , Naveen S. , Lokanath N. K. , Warad Ismail
Published: June 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H15N3O3·0.5H2O, comprises two 2-{[(4-iminiumyl-3-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridin-1-yl)methyl]carbamoyl}benzoate zwitterions (AandB) and a water molecule. The dihedral angles between the pyridine and phenyl rings in the zwitterions are 53.69 (10) and 73.56 (11)° inAandB, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O, O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...π(ring) hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. The crystal structure also features π–π interactions involving the centroids of the pyridine and phenyl rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.5618 (12) Å inAand 3.8182 (14) Å inB].
Collaborative facilities management model: Sri Lankan perspective
Authors: Weerasinghe R.P.N.P. , Sandanayake Y.G.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a collaborative facilities management (CFM) model incorporating facilities management (FM) functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by two or more organisations to enhance the performance of FM functions of collaborating organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical literature review followed by a preliminary investigation was used to identify main categories of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and dimensions that affect FM collaboration. Subsequently, a detailed list of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively under eight different contexts based on three dimensions identified through observations, document reviews and in-depth interviews with experts who have experience in each context.

Findings

The paper introduces a novel concept of CFM to share utility/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information by two or more organisations to maintain, improve, adapt and ensure functionality of the built environments of the collaborating organisations. The study identified core business, geographical location and ownership as the key dimensions that affect CFM concept. The outcome of the study, which is CFM model, proposes FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and benefits of collaborating utilities/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information under the aforementioned key dimensions to create a win-win situation for the organisations.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the FM functions that can be performed collaboratively in order to provide favourable solutions for operational issues faced by facilities managers, while optimising the FM performance of the organisations.

Originality/value

The CFM model offers original insights to the FM functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by organisations under different contexts to optimise the FM performance.
Effect of perceptual differences on consumer purchase intention of natural functional food
Authors: Rezai Golnaz , Teng Phuah Kit , Shamsudin Mad Nasir , Mohamed Zainalabidin , Stanton John L.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The concept of functional foods is not new to the Malaysian people. Functional foods as traditional medicine have made tremendous contributions over the past couple of centuries. The growth in the economy, coupled with a strong desire among the Malaysian consumers to maintain a healthy lifestyle has made functional foods an alternative medicine among the populace. Although the consumption of functional foods is increasing in Malaysia, relatively little is known about the factors which affect consumer purchase intention toward natural functional foods. The purpose of this paper is to determine Malaysian consumer intention to purchase natural functional foods.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in the country where 2,004 household were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) and health belief model were adopted and modified in this study. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the collected data.

Findings

The results have shown that the data set was normal, valid and reliable. Attitude has a partial mediating effect on perceived barriers, perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits which influence consumer intention to purchase natural functional foods. Nevertheless attitude had no mediation effect on subjective norms for consumers to form their intention to purchase natural functional foods. In other word, subjective norms had a direct influence on consumer intention to purchase natural functional foods.

Research limitations/implications

The main concern of this paper is about the factors which affect consumer purchase intention toward natural functional foods. However the results from this paper are limited in terms of determining consumer purchasing behavior for natural functional foods.

Originality/value

The paper expands on the TRA and health belief model to examine the factors which influence Malaysian consumer purchase intention toward natural functional foods.
The multicultural experience of international students in Portugal: a narrative approach
Authors: Nada Cosmin Ionut , Araújo Helena Costa
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore qualitatively and holistically the experience of international students in the context of Portuguese higher education. This paper interrogates the potential that an experience abroad provides for multicultural learning and for enhancing interaction between students with different cultural backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide depth to the understanding of their experiences abroad, the narratives of 12 international students in Portugal were constructed and analysed interpretatively. The findings presented in this paper result from a solid set of data based on 41 interviews with an average duration of two hours each.

Findings

Regarding students’ levels of multicultural contact, the findings presented in this paper are not consistent with previous research literature which indicates a tendency for segregation among international and local students. Aside from one exception, all the interviewed students were rather comfortable to interact with their local peers and even established meaningful friendships with them. Concerning students’ learning throughout the sojourn, the findings indicate that the experience of living in a different country provides numerous opportunities for multicultural learning.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the findings suggest that multicultural learning is part of international students’ lives, it is beyond the scope of this paper to identify institutional strategies to further support students’ learning.

Originality/value

The study adds to knowledge production in the field of multicultural education by bringing data from Portugal, a country seldom approached in the research literature.
International education management
Authors: Riad Shams S.M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

International students, who have a non-English speaking background (NESB), encounter many difficulties, in comparison to their local fellows of an English-speaking country. Literature demonstrates that leveraging various relational perspectives in a multicultural teaching environment has favourable implications to manage the NESB international students’ academic experience. Based on the observation and introspection approaches and a relevant literature review in relationship management, an ethnographic analysis is conducted to realise how such relational perspectives can be nurtured, in a way that the NESB international students expect and accept in a foreign country.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review in relationship management and an ethnographic analysis based on observation and introspection methods was conducted.

Findings

Findings show that universities could assist the NESB international students by designing, delivering and monitoring innovative teaching and learning approaches and taking care of the associated academic and non-academic issues of the students, while leveraging the social, psychological and academic relational perspective(s).

Originality/value

Leveraging relational perspectives offers global implications. The implications of relational perspectives can be used from any setting. However, the relational appeal should be focused on the presented circumstances of a targeted setting only (e.g. the issues of a particular multicultural classroom).
Cycology – what has been learnt from previous real estate cycles?
Authors: Durkin Simon
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the lessons learnt from the previous real estate cycles based on a sample of investors, occupiers and academics and seek to understand the practical challenges the industry faces in the current cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarises the results of qualitative research and interviews conducted and analysed by BNP Paribas Real Estate and Ipsos MORI.

Findings

The paper considers the crisis of 2008, its impact on performance, lessons learnt by the industry as a result and the future challenges. Whilst the industry felt well prepared to withstand future uncertainty and change, there was concern that subsequent generations of industry professionals will not be well equipped to deal with the pace and magnitude of change.

Practical implications

This is a practical study that seeks to place a greater emphasis on the drivers of market sentiment rather than focussing on quantitative forecasts.

Originality/value

There is much attention given to quantitative property market forecasts; however, there seems to be little appreciation of the need to evolve our process in today’s fast paced, structurally changing market which will behave differently to how it has in the past. Economic forecasts have received much criticism recently and these provide the basis for property market forecasts. The consideration of sentiment and the qualitative aspect of the future drivers of performance have never been so critical.
Implementation of lean supply chain: an empirical research on the effect of context
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Miorando Rogério , Tlapa Diego
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effect of a set of contextual variables on the implementation of lean supply chain (LSC) practices. The authors do that by investigating one main research question: “how do the contextual variables (i.e. plant size, supply chain level, level of onshore suppliers and age of the LM initiative) influence on the degree of adoption of LSC practices?”

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors collected data from 115 companies from different sectors located in Southern Brazil. Data collected was analyzed by means of multivariate techniques. The authors tested if the frequency of observations for each contextual variable was associated to the implementation levels of the LSC practices.

Findings

The evidences suggest that supply chain context significantly impacts the likelihood of implementing LSC practices. In particular, the influence of tier level, plant size and larger experience in implementing LM seems to be substantial across a wide mix of practices. On the other hand, results indicate that contexts in which companies are still beginners at the lean journey and their level of onshore suppliers appear to be less pervasive than previous empirical researches imply.

Originality/value

The implementation of LSC practices entails a different business model, in which improved profits arise from the cooperation rather than bargaining or imposing power over supply chain partners. However, not all organizations should implement the same set of practices, since the adoption of any specific management practice depends upon a set of contextual variables. The understanding of the relationship between the level of adoption of LSC practices and the contextual variables helps to anticipate occasional difficulties and sets the proper expectations along the implementation.
Legacy effects of diversity in space and time driven by winter cover crop biomass and nitrogen concentration
Authors: Barel Janna M. , Kuyper Thomas W. , de Boer Wietse , Douma Jacob C. , De Deyn Gerlinde B.
Published: June 2017

Plant diversity can increase nitrogen cycling and decrease soil‐borne pests, which are feedback mechanisms influencing subsequent plant growth. The relative strength of these mechanisms is unclear, as is the influence of preceding plant quantity and quality. Here, we studied how plant diversity in space and time influences subsequent crop growth.

During 2 years, we rotated two main crops (Avena sativa, Cichorium endivia) with four winter cover crop (WCC) species in monocultures and mixtures. We hypothesized that, relative to monocultures, WCC mixtures promote WCC biomass (quantity) and nitrogen concentration (quality), soil mineral nitrogen, soil organic matter, and reduce plant‐feeding nematode abundance. Additionally, we predicted that preceding crops modified WCC legacies. By structural equation modelling (SEM), we tested the relative importance of WCC shoot biomass and nitrogen concentration on succeeding crop productivity directly and indirectly via nitrogen cycling and root‐feeding nematode abundance.

WCC shoot biomass, soil properties and succeeding Avena productivity were affected by first‐season cropping, whereas subsequent Cichorium only responded to the WCC treatments. WCC mixtures’ productivity and nitrogen concentration showed over‐ and under‐yielding, depending on mixture composition. Soil nitrogen and nematode abundance did not display WCC mixture effects. Soil organic matter was lower than expected after Raphanus sativus + Vicia sativa mixture. Subsequent Avena productivity depended upon mixture composition, whereas final Cichorium productivity was unresponsive to WCC mixtures. SEM indicated that WCC legacy effects on subsequent Avena (R2 = 0.52) and Cichorium (R2 = 0.59) productivity were driven by WCC biomass and nitrogen concentration, although not by the quantified soil properties.

Synthesis and applications. Through understanding plant–soil feedback, legacy effects of plant species and species mixtures can be employed for sustainable management of agro‐ecosystems. Biomass and nitrogen concentration of plants returned to the soil stimulate subsequent plant productivity. Winter cover crop quantity and quality are both manipulable with mixtures. The specificity of spatial and temporal diversity effects warrants consideration of plant species choice in mixtures and rotations for optimal employment of beneficial legacy effects.
Microbial network, phylogenetic diversity and community membership in the active layer across a permafrost thaw gradient
Authors: Mondav Rhiannon , McCalley Carmody K. , Hodgkins Suzanne B. , Frolking Steve , Saleska Scott R. , Rich Virginia I. , Chanton Jeff P. , Crill Patrick M.
Published: June 2017

Biogenic production and release of methane (CH4) from thawing permafrost has the potential to be a strong source of radiative forcing. We investigated changes in the active layer microbial community of three sites representative of distinct permafrost thaw stages at a palsa mire in northern Sweden. The palsa site (intact permafrost and low radiative forcing signature) had a phylogenetically clustered community dominated by Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria. The bog (thawing permafrost and low radiative forcing signature) had lower alpha diversity and midrange phylogenetic clustering, characteristic of ecosystem disturbance affecting habitat filtering. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens and Acidobacteria dominated the bog shifting from palsa‐like to fen‐like at the waterline. The fen (no underlying permafrost, high radiative forcing signature) had the highest alpha, beta and phylogenetic diversity, was dominated by Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota and was significantly enriched in methanogens. The Mire microbial network was modular with module cores consisting of clusters of Acidobacteria, Euryarchaeota or Xanthomonodales. Loss of underlying permafrost with associated hydrological shifts correlated to changes in microbial composition, alpha, beta and phylogenetic diversity associated with a higher radiative forcing signature. These results support the complex role of microbial interactions in mediating carbon budget changes and climate feedback in response to climate forcing.
Enhancement of the functional properties of whey protein by conjugation with maltodextrin under dry‐heating conditions
Authors: Mulcahy Eve M , Park Curtis W , Drake MaryAnne , Mulvihill Daniel M , O'Mahony James A
Published: June 2017

Conjugation of whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD, dextrose equivalent of 6) was achieved by dry‐heating at an initial pH of 7.0, at 60 °C and 79% relative humidity, with WPI: MD6 ratio of 1:1, for up to 24 h. Conjugation was achieved with limited development of colour and advanced Maillard products on 24 h of heating. Conjugation increased the protein solubility at pH 4.5, by 7.1–8.5%, compared to the unheated and heated WPI controls. Conjugation of WPI with MD6 enhanced the stability and retention of clarity in protein solutions heated at 85 °C for 10 min with 50 mM added NaCl.
Objective neuromuscular monitoring of neuromuscular blockade in Denmark: an online‐based survey of current practice
Authors: Söderström C. M. , Eskildsen K. Z. , Gätke M. R. , Staehr‐Rye A. K.
Published: June 2017

Background

Neuromuscular blocking agents are commonly used during general anaesthesia but can lead to postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade and associated morbidity. With appropriate objective neuromuscular monitoring (objNMM) residual blockade can be avoided. In this survey, we investigated the use of objNMM in Denmark.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous Internet‐based survey distributed through e‐mails to Danish public anaesthesia departments. The survey consisted of 15–17 short questions regarding the use of objNMM.

Results

A total of 653 (27%) anaesthetists from 90% of the hospitals answered the questionnaire. ObjNMM was always used by 58% of the anaesthetists and 86% used objNMM at least 75% of the times. Despite the frequent use, 75% of the anaesthetists experienced difficulties with objNMM in at least 25% of the cases. The likelihood of using objNMM was higher among nurse anaesthetists vs. anaesthesiologists (odds ratio (OR) 2.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62–3.08]), if the department had an employee with special interest in objNMM (OR 1.66 [95% CI: 1.12–2.47]), if the anaesthetist had < 5 years of experience (OR 1.88 [95% CI: 1.29–2.73]), or if experiencing difficulties with objNMM < 25% of the cases (OR 1.60 [95% CI: 1.00–2.57]).

Conclusion

In this survey, Danish anaesthetists frequently, in an international perspective, use objNMM, but the use is often associated with technical difficulties.
Trace elements in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Broman M. , Bryland A. , Carlsson O. ,   for the T‐Trace Acute Study Group
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Intensive care patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are at great risk for disturbances in plasma levels of trace elements due to the underlying illness, AKI, and dialysis. This study was performed to increase our knowledge regarding eight different trace elements during CRRT.

Methods

Thirty one stable patients with AKI, treated with CRRT, were included in the study. Blood, plasma and effluent samples were taken at the start of the study and 36 ± 12 h later. A group of 48 healthy volunteers were included as controls and exposed to one fasting blood sample. Samples were analysed for trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Co, Zn, Rb, Mo, Se) and standard blood chemistry.

Results

Blood and plasma levels of selenium and rubidium were significantly reduced while the levels of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum were significantly increased in the study group vs. healthy volunteers. There was an uptake of chromium, manganese, and zinc. Molybdenum mass balance was around zero. For selenium, copper, and rubidium there were a marked loss.

Conclusions

The low levels of selenium and rubidium in blood and plasma from CRRT patients, together with the loss via CRRT effluent, raises the possibility of the need for selenium supplementation in this group of patients, despite the unchanged levels during the short study period. Further investigations on the effect of additional administration of trace elements to CRRT patients would be of interest.
Examining coping style and the relationship between stress and subjective well‐being in Australia's ‘sandwich generation’
Authors: Gillett Jade E , Crisp Dimity A
Published: June 2017

Objective

The sandwich generation represents adults, often in midlife, who care for both children and ageing parents/relatives. While the stress they experience has received some attention, little research has investigated the subjective well‐being (SWB) of this population. This study examined the relationship between perceived stress and SWB and the moderating effect of coping style.

Methods

Ninety‐three participants (80 women), aged 23–63 years, completed an online survey measuring perceived stress, coping strategies, life satisfaction and positive and negative affect.

Results

Stress was negatively associated with SWB. While emotion‐ and problem‐focused coping were directly associated with SWB outcomes, the only moderating effect found was for avoidance‐focused coping (AFC). Specifically, AFC was associated with higher positive affect for those reporting lower stress.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need to recognise the distinct circumstances that exist for the sandwich generation. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Echographic features and perinatal outcomes in fetuses with congenital absence of ductus venosus
Authors: Garcia‐Delgado Raquel , Garcia‐Rodriguez Raquel , Romero Requejo Azahar , Armas Roca Marta , Obreros Zegarra Luciana , Medina Castellano Margarita , Garcia Hernandez Jose A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe the echographic features and perinatal outcomes of fetuses with absence of ductus venosus.

Material and methods

Retrospective review of 10 cases with absence of ductus venosus diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography between January 2014 and February 2016 at a single referral center. Prenatal findings, umbilical shunting type, perinatal outcomes, and autopsy reports were reviewed.

Results

A total of 11 491 fetuses underwent a first‐ and second‐trimester screening during the study period. Ten cases of absence of ductus venosus were diagnosed. All of the fetuses presented an extrahepatic shunt: three fetuses from the umbilical vein to the right atrium and the seven remaining fetuses from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava. Major structural defects and fetal effusions were detected in six fetuses. There were two cases of chromosomal abnormalities. Five patients underwent legal termination of pregnancy and five decided to carry to term. In two of these, the absence of ductus venosus anomaly was isolated and had a normal outcome. In the remaining three cases, a follow up of the children showed a variety of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

The absence of ductus venosus is associated with high rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. The prognosis for this group of anomalies depends on the additional findings with targeted ultrasound. This pathology should lead to a detailed anatomical study and affected fetuses should be closely monitored for signs of congestive heart failure.
Three‐Stream, Bicarbonate‐Based Hemodialysis Solution Delivery System Revisited: With an Emphasis on Some Aspects of Acid‐Base Principles
Authors: Lew Susie Q. , Kohn Orly F. , Cheng Yuk‐Lun , Kjellstrand Carl M. , Ing Todd S.
Published: June 2017

Hemodialysis patients can acquire buffer base (i.e., bicarbonate and buffer base equivalents of certain organic anions) from the acid and base concentrates of a three‐stream, dual‐concentrate, bicarbonate‐based, dialysis solution delivery machine. The differences between dialysis fluid concentrate systems containing acetic acid versus sodium diacetate in the amount of potential buffering power were reviewed. Any organic anion such as acetate, citrate, or lactate (unless when combined with hydrogen) delivered to the body has the potential of being converted to bicarbonate. The prescribing physician aware of the role that organic anions in the concentrates can play in providing buffering power to the final dialysis fluid, will have a better knowledge of the amount of bicarbonate and bicarbonate precursors delivered to the patient.
Proper reprogramming of imprinted and non‐imprinted genes in cloned cattle gametogenesis
Authors: Kaneda Masahiro , Watanabe Shinya , Akagi Satoshi , Inaba Yasushi , Geshi Masaya , Nagai Takashi
Published: June 2017

Epigenetic abnormalities in cloned animals are caused by incomplete reprogramming of the donor nucleus during the nuclear transfer step (first reprogramming). However, during the second reprogramming step that occurs only in the germline cells, epigenetic errors not corrected during the first step are repaired. Consequently, epigenetic abnormalities in the somatic cells of cloned animals should be erased in their spermatozoa or oocytes. This is supported by the fact that offspring from cloned animals do not exhibit defects at birth or during postnatal development. To test this hypothesis in cloned cattle, we compared the DNA methylation level of two imprinted genes (H19 and PEG3) and three non‐imprinted genes (XIST, OCT4 and NANOG) and two repetitive elements (Satellite I and Satellite II) in blood and sperm DNAs from cloned and non‐cloned bulls. We found no differences between cloned and non‐cloned bulls. We also analyzed the DNA methylation levels of four repetitive elements (Satellite I, Satellite II, Alpha‐satellite and Art2) in oocytes recovered from cloned and non‐cloned cows. Again, no significant differences were observed between clones and non‐clones. These results suggested that imprinted and non‐imprinted genes and repetitive elements were properly reprogramed during gametogenesis in cloned cattle; therefore, they contributed to the soundness of cloned cattle offspring.
Intensifying Work and Chasing Innovation: Incorporating Care in Silicon Valley
Authors: English‐Lueck J. A. , Avery Miriam Lueck
Published: June 2017

The struggle for labor rights is often one of asserting embodied care. Workers negotiate for rest and safe physical conditions. In the United States, further embodied care is translated into health care and family leave benefits. In Silicon Valley, while labor still struggles in the service and manufacturing sectors, professional high‐tech work constitutes another set of challenges and expectations. Startup culture draws on the university‐student lifestyle—where institutionalized care includes a broad palette of wellness care, cafeterias, and structured recreation. So it is not surprising that yoga, massage, food, and managed fun made their way into high‐tech workplaces of the late twentieth century. Increasingly, however, that corporate care is a requirement, not a perquisite, of progressive companies recruiting elite workers. Effective care requires personal awareness and corporate surveillance in order to be effective. Corporate responsibility in Silicon Valley workplaces embraces discourses in which worker productivity and care intertwine. This care is not evenly distributed or available to all workers, but still points to an emerging set of corporate care practices. Knowledge workers are expected to work more intensively, and employers sustain them by providing care. That logic of care shaped the social experience of both care providers, such as chefs and concierges, and workers, who learn to be the subjects of such care. Based on two decades of fieldwork in companies from Apple to Yahoo, this article outlines the uneven evolution of Silicon Valley's corporate care.