bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial Social Networks and Innovation: A Meta‐Analysis of Bonding and Bridging Effects across Institutional Environments
Authors: Kraft Priscilla S. , Bausch Andreas
Published: April 2018

An increasing body of research has emphasized that managerial social networks are crucial for innovation. However, empirical research has yielded inconclusive results which have stimulated an ongoing debate about which type of networks are most conducive to innovation: bonding (cohesive) or bridging (diverse) networks? To resolve this debate, a growing number of scholars have argued that whether cohesive or diverse networks are more beneficial for innovation depends on the context. To extend this stream of research, this study draws on social network and institutional theory to examine the moderating role of both formal and informal institutional environments. Using several meta‐analytic techniques to integrate findings from 88 studies, thereby spanning 26 different countries and 20 years of research, the results of this study reveal that institutional environments significantly moderate the impact bonding and bridging networks have on innovation. In particular, the findings indicate that cohesive networks are more effective to stimulate innovation in weak political, regulatory, and financial institutions as well as in collectivistic cultures, whereas diverse networks are more beneficial for innovation in strong political and regulatory institutions as well as in individualistic cultures. This study thus extends prior research on managerial networks and innovation by uncovering how formal and informal institutions influence whether bridging or bonding networks are more beneficial for innovation. For practitioners, the results provide important insights as they reveal how top managers can cope with different formal institutions and cultural settings through specific types of networks to best promote innovation.

Practitioner Points

Top managers can use different types of networks (cohesive vs. diverse) to foster innovation. However, whether cohesive or diverse networks are more beneficial for innovation depends on the institutional environment in which they are embedded.

As establishing and maintaining networks is costly and time‐consuming, top managers should focus on the fit between the type of network and the institutional setting they are in to best promote innovation.

Specifically, top managers should build cohesive networks to cope with weak political, regulatory, and financial institutions, whereas they should invest in diverse networks in strong political and regulatory institutions to foster innovation.

Moreover, top managers should establish cohesive networks to foster innovation in collectivistic cultures, whereas they should build diverse networks in individualistic cultures.
In vitro assessment of quality of citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine‐1 preserved feline blood collected by a commercial closed system
Authors: Crestani Chiara , Stefani Annalisa , Carminato Antonio , Cro Angelica , Capello Katia , Corrò Michela , Bozzato Elisa , Mutinelli Franco , Vascellari Marta
Published: April 2018

Background

Optimal procedure for storage of feline blood is needed. Open‐collection systems have been employed in feline medicine, thus limiting the possibility for storage.

Objectives

To evaluate indicators of quality of feline blood stored for 35 days at +4°C in a closed‐collection system specifically designed for cats.

Animals

Eight healthy adult European domestic shorthair cats with a weight of 5‐6.8 kg.

Methods

This is a case series study. A bacteriological test, CBC, blood smear, pH, osmotic fragility, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement were performed weekly on whole blood (WB) units from day 1 to day 35 after donation. The hemolysis index, lactate and potassium concentrations, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen were measured on plasma aliquots.

Results

One out of eight blood units (BUs) had bacterial growth (Serratia marcescens) at day 35. No significant differences were found regarding CBC, morphology, pH, and osmotic fragility. Despite high inter‐individual variability and low starting levels, significant decreases in the mean concentrations of 2,3‐DPG (T0 1.99 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.52, T35 1.25 mmol/g Hb, SD 1.43; P = .003) and ATP (T0 1.45 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.71, T35 0.62 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.51; P < .001) were detected during the study, as opposed to an increase in hemolysis (T0 0.11 mmol/L, SD 0.07, T35 0.84 mmol/L, SD 0.19; P < .001), lactate (T0 3.30 mmol/L, SD 0.86, T35 13.36 mmol/L, SD 2.90; P < .001), and potassium (T0 3.10 mmol/L, SD 0.21, T35 4.12 mmol/L, SD 0.35; P < .001) concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The commercial BU kit is appropriate for blood collection and conservation of WB in cats. The maintenance of WB quality indicators during storage is essential for future improvements of feline transfusion medicine.
Partial Privatization Policy and the R&D Risk Choice in a Mixed Duopoly Market
Authors: Xing Mingqing
Published: April 2018

This study investigates how the partial privatization on the public firm affects the R&D risk choice in a mixed duopoly market. It mainly finds that: (i) the partial privatization of the public firm leads to a decline in the optimal level of R&D risk chosen by the private (or public) firm, and the higher the degree of privatization the lower the optimal level of R&D risk; (ii) for the public firm, the partial privatization policy always causes the private optimum to be lower than the social optimum; (iii) for the private firm, whether the private optimum is higher or lower than the social optimum depends on the partial privatization level of the public firm. When the degree of privatization is small (large), the private optimum is higher (lower) than the social optimum.
Impact cratering as a cause of climate change, surface alteration, and resurfacing during the early history of Mars
Authors: Palumbo Ashley M. , Head James W.
Published: April 2018

Ancient valley networks (VNs) and related open‐ and closed‐basin lakes are testimony to the presence of flowing liquid water on the surface of Mars in the Late Noachian and Early Hesperian. Uncertain, however, has been the mechanism responsible for causing the necessary rainfall and runoff and/or snowfall and subsequent melting. Impact cratering has been proposed (e.g., Segura et al. 2002) as a process for temporarily raising temperatures and inducing conditions that would produce rainfall, snowmelt, runoff, and formation of the VNs and associated lacustrine features. We refer to the collective effects of this process as the ICASE model (impact cratering atmospheric/surface effects). In this contribution, we assess the proposed impact cratering mechanism in order to understand its climatic implications for early Mars: we outline the step‐by‐step events in the cratering process and explore the predictions for atmospheric and surface geological consequences. For large and basin‐scale impacts, rainfall should be globally and homogeneously distributed and characterized by very high temperatures. Rainfall rates are predicted to be high, ~2 m yr−1, similar to rates in tropical rainforests on Earth, and runoff rates are correspondingly very high. These predicted characteristics do not seem to be consistent with the observed VNs, which are mainly equatorial and not homogeneous in their distribution. Prior to the Late Noachian, however, we predict that basin‐scale impact effects are very likely to contribute significantly to degradation of crater rims and regional smoothing of terrain, implying vast resurfacing and resetting of crater ages following large crater and basin‐scale impacts. Furthermore, the high temperatures of impact‐induced rainwater and snowmelt and the pervasive penetration of heat into the regolith substrate are predicted to have a significant influence on the mineralogical alteration of the crust and its resulting physical properties. We conclude by describing a case example (Isidis basin) and describe how the ICASE model provides an alternative scenario for the interpretation of the layered phyllosilicates in the Nili Fossae and NE Sytris regions. We outline specific conclusions and recommendations designed to improve the ICASE model and to promote further understanding of its implications for the geological, mineralogical, and climate history of early Mars.
Phase transitions of α‐quartz at elevated temperatures under dynamic compression using a membrane‐driven diamond anvil cell: Clues to impact cratering?
Authors: Carl Eva‐Regine , Liermann Hanns‐Peter , Ehm Lars , Danilewsky Andreas , Kenkmann Thomas
Published: April 2018

Coesite and stishovite are high‐pressure silica polymorphs known to have been formed at several terrestrial impact structures. They have been used to assess pressure and temperature conditions that deviate from equilibrium formation conditions. Here we investigate the effects of nonhydrostatic, dynamic stresses on the formation of high‐pressure polymorphs and the amorphization of α‐quartz at elevated temperatures. The obtained disequilibrium states are compared with those predicted by phase diagrams derived from static experiments under equilibrium conditions. We analyzed phase transformations starting with α‐quartz in situ under dynamic loading utilizing a membrane‐driven diamond anvil cell. Using synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction, the phase transitions of SiO2 are identified up to 77.2 GPa and temperatures of 1160 K at compression rates ranging between 0.10 and 0.37 GPa s−1. Coesite starts forming above 760 K in the pressure range between 2 and 11 GPa. At 1000 K, coesite starts to transform to stishovite. This phase transition is not completed at 1160 K in the same pressure range. Therefore, the temperature initiates the phase transition from α‐quartz to coesite, and the transition from coesite to stishovite. Below 1000 K and during compression, α‐quartz becomes amorphous and partially converts to stishovite. This phase transition occurs between 25 and 35 GPa. Above 1000 K, no amorphization of α‐quartz is observed. High temperature experiments reveal the strong thermal dependence of the formation of coesite and stishovite under nonhydrostatic and disequilibrium conditions.
Training Studies: An Experimental Design to Advance Educational Neuroscience
Authors: Rosenberg‐Lee Miriam
Published: April 2018

The promise of educational neuroscience lies in its potential to uncover mechanistic insights into the science of learning. However, to realize that promise, the field must overcome a fundamental difference between the constituent disciplines: neuroscience is primarily concerned with understanding how the brain works; whereas education attempts to change the brain regardless of its workings. Learning is one domain where these orientations align: it is a deep feature of nervous systems and a target outcome of education. This article proposes coupling training studies with neuroimaging to assess the impact of real‐world learning on brain activity patterns, and simultaneously ask fundamental questions about the causal role of specific patterns of brain activity in academic skill acquisition. Finally, planning and implementing these studies requires multiple forms of expertise and collaborating across disciplines, which will contribute to a more cohesive educational neuroscience research community.
The sigma factor σ54 is required for the long‐term survival of Leptospira biflexa in water
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Jie , Hu Wei‐Lin , Yang Youyun , Li Hongxia , Picardeau Mathieu , Yan Jie , Yang X. Frank
Published: April 2018

Leptospira spp. comprise both pathogenic and free‐living saprophytic species. Little is known about the environmental adaptation and survival mechanisms of Leptospira. Alternative sigma factor, σ54 (RpoN) is known to play an important role in environmental and host adaptation in many bacteria. In this study, we constructed an rpoN mutant by allele exchange, and the complemented strain in saprophytic L. biflexa. Transcriptome analysis revealed that expression of several genes involved in nitrogen uptake and metabolism, including amtB1, glnB‐amtB2, ntrX and narK, were controlled by σ54. While wild‐type L. biflexa could not grow under nitrogen‐limiting conditions but was able to survive under such conditions and recover rapidly, the rpoN mutant was not. The rpoN mutant also had dramatically reduced ability to survive long‐term in water. σ54 appears to regulate expression of amtB1, glnK‐amtB2, ntrX and narK in an indirect manner. However, we identified a novel nitrogen‐related gene, LEPBI_I1011, whose expression was directly under the control of σ54 (herein renamed as rcfA for RpoN‐controlled factor A). Taken together, our data reveal that the σ54 regulatory network plays an important role in the long‐term environmental survival of Leptospira spp.
The cognitive structuring of national identity: individual differences in identifying as American
Authors: Rosenberg Shawn , Beattie Peter
Published: April 2018

How citizens view the nation and identify with it is an important element of the phenomenon of nationalism. While shaped by culture, this identification is also subjectively constructed by individuals. Most research on the psychology of national identity is oriented by the assumption that all people think in basically the same way, in terms of simple categories. We complement this approach by examining differences in the quality of people's thinking. While many people think in the simple concrete categorical terms assumed in most research, we argue that some individuals either do not think categorically or they think about categories in a reflective, abstract way. Consequently, these other people construct their national identity differently. To test this, we conducted an online survey that included interactive problem‐solving tasks to assess cognitive functioning and standard survey items to measure the quality and affect of participants' American identity. Our results indicate significant differences in the qualities of individuals' thinking that are reflected in differences in their national identification.
Membranous nephropathy with light chain restricted deposits
Authors: Ramachandran Raja , Inamdar Neeraj , Bharati Joyita , Yadav Ashok K , Kumar Ashwani , Prakash Gaurav , Nada Ritambhra , Rathi Manish , Kohli Harbir Singh , Gupta Krishan L , Jha Vivekanand
Published: April 2018

The literature on membranous nephropathy (MN) with monoclonal deposits on immunofluorescence (IF) and their outcome is very scarce. We report our experience of managing five patients with this clinical entity. The mean age of the patients was 33.2 ± 6.55 years. The mean proteinuria, serum albumin and serum creatinine was 5.73 ± 2.17 g/day, 2.86 ± 0.51 g/dL and 1.34 ± 1.19 mg/dL, respectively. None of the patients had a lymphoproliferative disorder. Only one patient had an elevated free light chain ratio. Four (80%) patients were M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) negative (tissue and serum), and one (20%) was PLA2R related. Three (60%) cases had monoclonal IgG3/k, one IgG3/λ, whereas one patient with PLA2R positivity had an IgG3/IgG4k subtype. Two (67%) patients treated with cyclical cyclophosphamide and steroids (cCYC/GC) achieved complete remission and one patient (33%) with elevated baseline creatinine had a reduction in serum creatinine with persistent proteinuria at the end of the 12th month of follow‐up. One patient with PLA2R positive MN was treated with Rituximab and is in complete remission. The patient with an elevated free light chain at baseline was treated with Bortezomib/Thalidomide/Dexamethasone, had complete remission at 12 months, however, had a progressive rise in creatinine over the next 40 months of follow‐up. The current series, though limited by numbers, documents the efficacy of conventional therapies in non‐malignant associated MN with monoclonal deposits on IF.
Are there multiple ways to direct attention in working memory?
Authors: Atkinson Amy L. , Berry Ed D.J. , Waterman Amanda H. , Baddeley Alan D. , Hitch Graham J. , Allen Richard J.
Published: April 2018

In visual working memory tasks, memory for an item is enhanced if participants are told that the item is relatively more valuable than others presented within the same trial. Experiment 1 explored whether these probe value boosts (termed prioritization effects in previous literature) are affected by probe frequency (i.e., how often the more valuable item is tested). Participants were presented with four colored shapes sequentially and asked to recall the color of one probed item following a delay. They were informed that the first item was more valuable (differential probe value) or as valuable as the other items (equal probe value), and that this item would be tested more frequently (differential probe frequency) or as frequently (equal probe frequency) as the other items. Probe value and probe frequency boosts were observed at the first position, though both were accompanied by costs to other items. Probe value and probe frequency boosts were additive, suggesting the manipulations yield independent effects. Further supporting this, experiment 2 revealed that probe frequency boosts are not reliant on executive resources, directly contrasting with previous findings regarding probe value. Taken together, these outcomes suggest there may be several ways in which attention can be directed in working memory.
Neural correlates of enhanced executive functions: is less more?
Authors: Putkinen Vesa , Saarikivi Katri
Published: April 2018

Musical training has been associated with superior performance in various executive function tasks. To date, only a few neuroimaging studies have investigated the neural substrates of the supposed “musician advantage” in executive functions, precluding definite conclusions about its neural basis. Here, we provide a selective review of neuroimaging studies on plasticity and typical maturation of executive functions, with the aim of investigating how proficient performance in executive function tasks is reflected in brain activity. Specifically, we examine the evidence for the hypothesis that enhanced or mature executive functions are manifested as efficient use of neural systems supporting those functions. We also present preliminary results from a functional magnetic resonance imaging study suggesting—in line with this hypothesis—that musically trained adolescents recruit frontoparietal regions less strongly during executive functions tasks than untrained peers.
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis of the jaw – difficulties in diagnosis
Authors: Molyneaux Charlotte
Published: April 2018

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a relatively uncommon inflammatory disease which if often difficult to diagnose. This report describes the case of a 14‐year‐old girl and her journey in reaching a diagnosis. This is often a long process which involves many interventions. The report discusses the difficulties in diagnosis and potential guidelines for reaching a working diagnosis.
Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome – a case report of a unique oral presentation and special management
Authors: Badr M. , El‐Awa A.
Published: April 2018

Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome (KTW) is a congenital disorder which is characterised by a triad of malformations affecting various structures. The features of the syndrome differ according to the severity and distribution of the underlying malformations. The oro‐facial manifestations of KTW are common although potentially underreported. In this case report, a generalised foreshortening of teeth is described as a disease manifestation, along with a description of the specific perioperative management that was required prior to dental extraction.
Feasibility of cathodic‐anodal left ventricular stimulation for alternative multisite pacing
Authors: Dell'Era Gabriele , De Vecchi Federica , Prenna Eleonora , Devecchi Chiara , Degiovanni Anna , Malacrida Maurizio , Magnani Andrea , Occhetta Eraldo , Marino Paolo
Published: April 2018

Background

Simultaneous cathodic‐anodal capture by a bipole of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) left‐ventricular (LV) catheter may depolarize a larger LV area than conventional multipoint pacing. We evaluated the feasibility of cathodic‐anodal LV stimulation.

Methods

In 30 patients undergoing CRT with a quadripolar LV lead, we evaluated the cathodic and anodal capture threshold for each LV pole and compared QRS on electrocardiogram (ECG) during single‐point cathodic biventricular stimulation (S‐BS), multipoint BS (M‐BS), and cathodic‐anodal BS (CA‐BS).

Results

Anodal capture was obtained by three poles in 23/30 patients, by two poles in five, and was not feasible in two. The mean single‐point anodal threshold was 3.93 V versus single‐point cathodic threshold of 1.95 V. On comparing ECGs, M‐BS and CA‐BS produced similar QRS wavefront activation in 90% of patients.

Conclusions

CA‐BS is feasible and may be used in LV pacing to achieve a different wavefront of electrical activation. Further prospective studies are needed in order to verify the clinical impact of this kind of stimulation.
Compound heterozygous mutations in desmoplakin associated with skin fragility, follicular hyperkeratosis, alopecia, and nail dystrophy
Authors: Bari Omar , Skillman Sarah , Lah Melissa D. , Haggstrom Anita N.
Published: April 2018

Desmoplakin mutations are associated with a wide variety of phenotypes affecting the skin, nails, hair, and heart. A 21‐month‐old boy was born with multiple erosions resembling epidermolysis bullosa, complete alopecia, nail dystrophy, palmoplantar keratoderma, and areas of follicular hyperkeratosis. He was found to have two heterozygous mutations in the desmoplakin gene: c.478 C>T in exon 4 (p.Arg160X) and c.3630T>A in exon 23 (Tyr1210X). This case expands the clinical spectrum associated with desmoplakin mutations and highlights a mutation in exon 23 that has not been previously reported in the literature.
The patient rationale for seeking HIV PEP: Qualitative results from a nurse‐led program
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick , Orser Lauren , MacPherson Paul , Valela Nick
Published: April 2018

Background

HIV PEP is an intervention to prevent HIV seroconversion among HIV‐negative persons after they have come into contact with the virus. The literature suggests PEP is greater than 80% effective at reducing HIV seroconversion. To expand access to this prevention strategy, we established a nurse‐led PEP program in two STI clinics.

Aims

We sought to explore why people seek PEP, and their experiences using it.

Materials & Methods

We invited participants who used our PEP program to engage in semi‐structured qualitative interviews. These were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the techniques of thematic analysis.

Results

Twelve men who initiated PEP through our program participated in an interview. Thematic analysis of the data identified three themes: (1) assessing risk, (2) euphoria and distress, and (3) reducing distress.

Discussion

Based on our findings, it appears as though instances of condomless sex were atypical and unplanned, they occurred due to contextual factors (e.g., consent, desire to explore, sexual chemistry/intensity), and they resulted in a state of temporary euphoria, which, afterward, transformed into distress (i.e., “feel[ing] stupid”). The participants used PEP not only for HIV prevention, but also (and perhaps more so) to address their emotional state. PEP used seemed to primarily occur to address situations of atypical sexual contact with partners they did not “know” or “trust”.

Conclusion

We feel these results help contextualize how potential PEP users view HIV risk assessments, and how they determine their need for this intervention.
MET amplification in endometrial cancers with clear‐cell carcinoma components
Authors: Obata Yoshie , Yamashita Yoriko , Takahashi Koji , Yasuda Kouki , Kato Tomomi , Yasuda Masanori , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Takahashi Satoru , Nagasaka Tetsuro
Published: April 2018

Endometrial clear‐cell carcinoma (ECC) is relatively rare. The expression of diagnostic markers in this disease is similar to that of clear‐cell carcinoma, but the molecular carcinogenic events and therapeutic targets are mostly unknown. MET gene amplification has been reported in various cancers, including ovarian clear‐cell carcinomas; however, the MET gene status has not previously been examined in ECC. We performed real‐time quantitative PCR (QPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to analyze the MET gene statuses of 12 ECC cases. We found MET amplifications in two cases (2/12; 16.7%) by both methods. Of the 12 cases, 9 were pure clear‐cell carcinomas, and 3 were mixed types that included mixes with endometrioid carcinomas in 2 cases, and the remaining case was a heterologous‐type carcinosarcoma that primarily consisted of a clear‐cell carcinoma component and a scarce chondrosarcoma component. Both of the MET amplification cases were mixed; one contained endometrioid features, and the other chondrosarcoma features. This is the first report to analyze the statuses of the MET gene in ECCs, and the two mixed cases exhibited amplifications that are shared with ovarian clear‐cell carcinomas. Further studies with larger numbers of cases are necessary to reveal the relationship between ECC and MET amplification.
State Bureaucracy and the Management of Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Saifur , Tosun Jale
Published: April 2018

Bangladesh is widely regarded as a country that is heavily affected by the threats of climate change. In this study, we analyze the management of projects aiming to adapt to climate change in the period from 2009 to 2015. We are interested in two aspects: first, the overall bureaucratic setup of the adaptation regime, and second, the appointment of directors to the individual programs and what role foreign funding plays in making appointment decisions. With regard to the latter, it should be noted that project directors are an important arm of state bureaucracy in Bangladesh who guide the whole implementation and management of a development project, including its financial, regulatory, and informational dimensions. More specifically, we ask whether generalists or professionals are appointed as directors of the relevant projects. We argue and then show that the chances of appointing a professional as the director increase with the volume of foreign funding.
Linear Quaternion Differential Equations: Basic Theory and Fundamental Results
Authors: Kou Kit Ian , Xia Yong‐Hui
Published: April 2018

Quaternion‐valued differential equations (QDEs) are a new kind of differential equations which have many applications in physics and life sciences. The largest difference between QDEs and ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is the algebraic structure. Due to the noncommutativity of the quaternion algebra, the set of all the solutions to the linear homogenous QDEs is completely different from ODEs. It is actually a right‐free module, not a linear vector space.

This paper establishes a systematic frame work for the theory of linear QDEs, which can be applied to quantum mechanics, fluid mechanics, Frenet frame in differential geometry, kinematic modeling, attitude dynamics, Kalman filter design, spatial rigid body dynamics, etc. We prove that the set of all the solutions to the linear homogenous QDEs is actually a right‐free module, not a linear vector space. On the noncommutativity of the quaternion algebra, many concepts and properties for the ODEs cannot be used. They should be redefined accordingly. A definition of Wronskian is introduced under the framework of quaternions which is different from standard one in the ODEs. Liouville formula for QDEs is given. Also, it is necessary to treat the eigenvalue problems with left and right sides, accordingly. Upon these, we studied the solutions to the linear QDEs. Furthermore, we present two algorithms to evaluate the fundamental matrix. Some concrete examples are given to show the feasibility of the obtained algorithms. Finally, a conclusion and discussion ends the paper.
Numerical Study of Blow‐Up Mechanisms for Davey–Stewartson II Systems
Authors: Klein Christian , Stoilov Nikola
Published: April 2018

We present a detailed numerical study of various blow‐up issues in the context of the focusing Davey–Stewartson II equation. To this end, we study Gaussian initial data and perturbations of the lump and the explicit blow‐up solution due to Ozawa. Based on the numerical results it is conjectured that the blow‐up in all cases is self‐similar, and that the time‐dependent scaling behaves as in the Ozawa solution and not as in the stable blow‐up of standard L2 critical nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The blow‐up profile is given by a dynamically rescaled lump.
Preparation and characterization of PTFE flat sheet membrane: Effect of sodium benzoate content
Authors: Abd Ghani Faezeah , Hamzah Khaidir , Wan Salleh Wan Norharyati , Mohamed Hasimah
Published: April 2018

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flat sheet membranes were prepared through casting and sintering methods. The effect of sodium benzoate salt on the characteristics of PTFE flat sheet membranes such as  morphology, surface roughness, porosity, mechanical strength and crystallinity were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mercury intrusion porosimetry, tensile test and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis confirmed the formation of irregular porous microstructures in sponge-like configuration. All the fabricated membranes exhibited narrow pore size distributions and have relatively small average pore diameters between 0.074 and 1.068 µm despite having porosity between 36.41 and 74.32 %. In addition, the roughness of the PTFE flat sheet membranes increased as the sodium benzoate content increased. Increasing sodium benzoate content was positive for pore size, porosity and roughness but negative for surface roughness and mechanical properties. This research confirmed that the addition of sodium benzoate salt in aqueous PTFE solution is a useful approach for the fabrication of porous PTFE flat sheet membranes
The effect of mass ratio on the flow characteristics of hydrogen-natural gas mixture using reduced order modelling
Authors: Subani Norazlina , Amin Norsarahaida
Published: April 2018

This work focuses on the development of a mathematical model as a viable alternative to pinpoint locations of gas leaks in a pipeline.  The transient non-isothermal flow of hydrogen-natural gas mixture is considered because hydrogen is often transported in the same pipeline as natural gas to reduce the transportation cost.  The mathematical model developed took into consideration the effect of the mass ratio of gas mixture.  The gas mixture was assumed to be homogeneous and the transient pressure wave was created by the sudden or instantaneous closure of a downstream shut-off valve to ensure the attainment of minimum pressure at the downstream end within a short time.  The governing equations were numerically solved using the reduced order modelling (ROM) technique, which had not been previously applied on non-isothermal models involving gas mixtures.  Numerical results observed that the mass ratio of hydrogen to natural gas should not be more than 0.5 to ensure that leakage does not occur before the estimated leak position.  An increase in the mass ratio  leads to an increase in the pressure and celerity wave, while the leak location and the amount of leak discharge decrease.
Convergence of modified homotopy perturbation method for Fredholm-Volterra integro-differential equation of order m
Authors: K. Eshkuvatov Zainidin , Zulkarnain Fatimah Samihah , Muminov Zahriddin , Nik Long Nik Mohd Asri
Published: April 2018

In this paper, modified homotopy perturbation method (MHPM) is applied to solve the general Fredholm-Volterra integro-differential equations (FV-IDEs) of order  with initial conditions. Selective functions and unknown parameters allowed us to obtain two step iterations. It is found that MHPM is a semi-analytical method for FV-IDEs and could avoid complex computations. Numerical examples are given to show the efficiency and reliability of the method. Proof of the convergence of the proposed method is also given.
Correlational study of air pollution-related diseases (asthma, conjunctivitis, URTI and dengue) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Jamaludin Aaishah Radziah , Yusof Fadhilah , Mohd Lokoman Rahmah , Zainoon Noor Zainura , Alias Noreliza , Mohd Aris Nurazimah
Published: April 2018

Four pollution related diseases, namely asthma, conjunctivitis, URTI and dengue will be studied in terms of their trend, behaviour and association with influential factors such as air pollution and climate variables. Two methods were chosen; Poisson Generalized Linear Model and Negative Binomial Model. These methods were used to determine the association between the diseases and their influential factors. This study shows that Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is the most abundant source that contributes to the diseases. Therefore, the local authorities such as the Department of Environment need to reinforce the law in planning and monitoring the SO2 sources which are produced from fuel combustion in mobile sources and motor vehicles.
The unsteady mixed convection flow of rotating second grade fluid in porous medium with ramped wall temperature
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Qushairi , Khan Ilyas , Mohd Zin Nor Athirah , Ismail Zulkhibri , Shafie Sharidan
Published: April 2018

The effects of ramped wall temperature, rotation and porosity on mixed convection flow of incompressible second grade fluid are studied. The momentum equation is modelled in a problem of rotating fluid with constant angular velocity subjected to initial and oscillating boundary conditions. The energy equation is also introduced. Some suitable non-dimensional variables are used to write equations into non-dimensional form. Laplace transform method is used to solve these equations in order to obtain the analytical solutions of velocity and temperature profiles. Computations are carried out and presented graphically to analyse the effect of second grade fluid parameter, rotation parameter, porosity parameter, Prandtl number and Grashof number on the profiles. It is found that, for larger values of porosity parameter, the fluid velocity will increase for both primary and secondary velocities. The results also show that, velocity for ramped wall temperature is lower compared to isothermal temperature. It is worth to mention that, the exact solutions obtained in this study can be used to check correctness of the results obtained through numerical schemes.
Optimization and effect of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction conditions on global oil yield and eugenol from piper betle leaves
Authors: Arsad Nur Husnina , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi , Idham Zuhaili
Published: April 2018

Todays, medicinal plants have been of great importance to the health of people and societies in Malaysia, and the entire world. Piper betle leaves, a member of family Piperaceae is an edible plant. The leaves of Piper betle have been traditionally utilized in India for inhibition of oral diseases. Scientific research shows that the leaves possess many biological activities with a good medicinal and commercial value. Nowadays, advance technologies have been used to develop high quality products. This study concentrates on supercritical fluid extraction technology which carbon dioxide, CO2 play as a solvent. The purpose of this study was to optimize and look into the effects of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction process variables, namely pressure (10–30 MPa), temperature (40–80 °C) and CO2 flowrate (2-8 mL/min) on global oil yield and percentage of Eugenol in Piper betle Leaves. The result shows that as the pressure, temperature and flow rate of CO2 increased the oil yield of Piper betle leaves increased. However, further increased, resulting in decreasing the amount of global oil yield. Meanwhile, the percentage of Eugenol increased as the CO2 flow rate increased. However, as the pressure and temperature increased, the percentage of Eugenol decreased. Second order polynomial model was used to express the extracted oil and percentage of Eugenol with the both results was satisfactory. The best conditions to maximize the global oil yields and percentage of Eugenol extracted were 19.0 MPa, 40.0 °C and 7.0 mL/min leading to 0.228g of oil and 8.21 % of Eugenol. The most dominant factor for both responses was CO2 flowrate. The results show a good fit to the proposed model and the optimal conditions obtained were within the experimental range with the value of R2 was 69.06% for global oil yield and 82.79% for amount of Eugenol.
Management of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy in an outpatient setting: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Sinaga Gery , de Koeijer Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

The objective of this project was to implement best practice in an outpatient clinical setting in order to increase both nursing staff and patients’ knowledge and awareness on the importance of blood sugar management during chemotherapy and to show that through compliance with best practice, the incidence of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia during chemotherapy can be minimized.

Introduction:

Steroid-induced hyperglycemia is a commonly neglected symptom in cancer treatment, contributing to poor patient prognosis and extended hospital stay. Evidence shows that controlled blood sugar during chemotherapy is associated with improved patient outcomes and better tolerance to cancer treatment. For the purpose of this paper steroid-induced hyperglycemia will be referred to as dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia.

Methods:

This project utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI-PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tools to promote compliance in the clinical setting. Thirty patients participated in the audit, which was executed by nursing staff in the Medical Oncology Outpatient Unit at the Cancer Ambulatory and Community Health Support Department at the Canberra Hospital.

Results:

The baseline audit revealed large gaps between best practice and current practice. This underlined the need for more education for both nursing staff and patients. Other barriers such as the absence of assessment and documentation by the clinicians and the minimum number of potential referrals to the diabetes educator were addressed by encouraging patients to speak about their diabetes, and also in the development of a simplified referral process in order to have patients reviewed by the Diabetes Educator in a timely manner. There were significant improvements after more information sessions were held and more resources made available to both nursing staff and patients, but there were also minimal to zero compliance drop on parts of the follow-up audit.

Conclusions:

In an attempt to improve patient outcome during chemotherapy, the project has succeeded in changing the attitude towards blood sugar control, and in increasing knowledge and awareness of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia among nursing staff and patients. However, there is room for improvement, based on the results of the implementation project. Future audits are planned to ensure sustainability.
The nuclear translocation of the kinases p38 and JNK promotes inflammation-induced cancer
Authors: Maik-Rachline Galia , Zehorai Elder , Hanoch Tamar , Blenis John , Seger Rony
Published: April 2018

A p38/JNK nuclear translocation–blocking peptide may be therapeutic in various cancers and inflammation-associated diseases.
mTORC1 controls lysosomal Ca
2+
release through the two-pore channel TPC2
Authors: Ogunbayo Oluseye A. , Duan Jingxian , Xiong Jian , Wang Qiaochu , Feng Xinghua , Ma Jianjie , Zhu Michael X. , Evans A. Mark
Published: April 2018

The ion channel TPC2 is required for Ca
2+
mobilization from lysosomes in response to mTORC1 inhibition and to NAADP.
Defining Substrate Specificity in the CTX-M Family: the Role of Asp240 in Ceftazidime Hydrolysis
Authors: Ghiglione Barbara , Rodríguez María Margarita , Curto Lucrecia , Brunetti Florencia , Dropa Milena , Bonomo Robert A. , Power Pablo , Gutkind Gabriel
Published: April 2018

The natural diversification of CTX-M β-lactamases led to the emergence of Asp240Gly variants in the clinic that confer reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime (CAZ). In this study, we compared the impact of this substitution on CAZ and ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) MICs against isogenic
Escherichia coli
strains with different porin deficiencies. Our results show a noticeable increase in CAZ resistance in clones expressing Asp240Gly-harboring CTX-M when combined with OmpF porin deficiency. Kinetic analysis revealed that the
k
cat
/

K
m

for CAZ was 5- to 15-fold higher for all Asp240Gly variants but remained 200- to 725-fold lower than that for cefotaxime (CTX).
In vitro
selection of CAZ-resistant clones yielded nonsusceptible CTX-M producers (MIC of >16 μg/ml) only after overnight incubation; the addition of avibactam (AVI) decreased MICs to a susceptible range against these variants. In contrast, the use of CZA as a selective agent did not yield resistant clones. AVI inactivated both CTX-M-12 and CTX-M-96, with an apparent inhibition constant comparable to that of SHV-2 and 1,000-fold greater than that of PER-2 and CMY-2, and

k
2
/K

for CTX-M-12 was 24- and 35-fold higher than that for CTX-M-96 and CTX-M-15, respectively. Molecular modeling suggests that AVI interacts similarly with CTX-M-96 and CTX-M-15. We conclude that the impact of Asp240Gly in resistance may arise when other mechanisms are also present (i.e., OmpF deficiency). Additionally, CAZ selection could favor the emergence of CAZ-resistant subpopulations. These results define the role of Asp240 and the impact of the -Gly substitution and allow us to hypothesize that the use of CZA is an effective preventive strategy to delay the development of resistance in this family of extended-spectrum β-lactamases.
Important Late-Stage Symbiotic Role of the Sinorhizobium meliloti Exopolysaccharide Succinoglycan
Authors: Arnold Markus F. F. , Penterman Jon , Shabab Mohammed , Chen Esther J. , Walker Graham C.
Published: April 2018

Sinorhizobium meliloti
enters into beneficial symbiotic interactions with
Medicago
species of legumes. Bacterial exopolysaccharides play critical signaling roles in infection thread initiation and growth during the early stages of root nodule formation. After endocytosis of
S. meliloti
by plant cells in the developing nodule, plant-derived nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides mediate terminal differentiation of the bacteria into nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. Previous transcriptional studies showed that the intensively studied cationic peptide NCR247 induces expression of the
exo
genes that encode the proteins required for succinoglycan biosynthesis. In addition, genetic studies have shown that some
exo
mutants exhibit increased sensitivity to the antimicrobial action of NCR247. Therefore, we investigated whether the symbiotically active
S. meliloti
exopolysaccharide succinoglycan can protect
S. meliloti
against the antimicrobial activity of NCR247. We discovered that high-molecular-weight forms of succinoglycan have the ability to protect
S. meliloti
from the antimicrobial action of the NCR247 peptide but low-molecular-weight forms of wild-type succinoglycan do not. The protective function of high-molecular-weight succinoglycan occurs via direct molecular interactions between anionic succinoglycan and the cationic NCR247 peptide, but this interaction is not chiral. Taken together, our observations suggest that
S. meliloti
exopolysaccharides not only may be critical during early stages of nodule invasion but also are upregulated at a late stage of symbiosis to protect bacteria against the bactericidal action of cationic NCR peptides. Our findings represent an important step forward in fully understanding the complete set of exopolysaccharide functions during legume symbiosis.

IMPORTANCE
Symbiotic interactions between rhizobia and legumes are economically important for global food production. The legume symbiosis also is a major part of the global nitrogen cycle and is an ideal model system to study host-microbe interactions. Signaling between legumes and rhizobia is essential to establish symbiosis, and understanding these signals is a major goal in the field. Exopolysaccharides are important in the symbiotic context because they are essential signaling molecules during early-stage symbiosis. In this study, we provide evidence suggesting that the
Sinorhizobium meliloti
exopolysaccharide succinoglycan also protects the bacteria against the antimicrobial action of essential late-stage symbiosis plant peptides.
RIG-I-Like Receptor and Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Pathways Cause Aberrant Production of Inflammatory Cytokines/Chemokines in a Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection Mouse Model
Authors: Yamada Shintaro , Shimojima Masayuki , Narita Ryo , Tsukamoto Yuta , Kato Hiroki , Saijo Masayuki , Fujita Takashi
Published: April 2018

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by a tick-borne phlebovirus of the family
Bunyaviridae
, SFTS virus (SFTSV). Wild-type and type I interferon (IFN-I) receptor 1-deficient (IFNAR1
−/−
) mice have been established as nonlethal and lethal models of SFTSV infection, respectively. However, the mechanisms of IFN-I production
in vivo
and the factors causing the lethal disease are not well understood. Using bone marrow-chimeric mice, we found that IFN-I signaling in hematopoietic cells was essential for survival of lethal SFTSV infection. The disruption of IFN-I signaling in hematopoietic cells allowed an increase in viral loads in serum and produced an excess of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The production of IFN-I and inflammatory cytokines was abolished by deletion of the signaling molecules IPS-1 and MyD88, essential for retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, respectively. However, IPS-1
−/−
MyD88
−/−
mice exhibited resistance to lethal SFTS with a moderate viral load in serum. Taken together, these results indicate that adequate activation of RLR and TLR signaling pathways under low to moderate levels of viremia contributed to survival through the IFN-I-dependent antiviral response during SFTSV infection, whereas overactivation of these signaling pathways under high levels of viremia resulted in abnormal induction of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, causing the lethal disease.

IMPORTANCE
SFTSV causes a severe infectious disease in humans, with a high fatality rate of 12 to 30%. To know the pathogenesis of the virus, we need to clarify the innate immune response as a front line of defense against viral infection. Here, we report that a lethal animal model showed abnormal induction of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by an uncontrolled innate immune response, which triggered the lethal SFTS. Our findings suggest a new strategy to target inflammatory humoral factors to treat patients with severe SFTS. Furthermore, this study may help the investigation of other tick-borne viruses.