bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unknown primary of the head and neck: a new entry in the TNM staging system with old dilemmas for everyday practice
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Incandela Fabiola , Giannini Lorenzo
Published: January 2019

Purpose of review

To summarize the most recent nuances in diagnosis, management, and prognostic stratification of carcinoma of unknown primary of the head and neck (CUPHN), in light of its recent re-assessment in the eighth edition of the TNM Classification Manual.

Recent findings

At least in Western Countries, most CUPHN are expected to be Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-positive with an oropharyngeal origin. Their appropriate diagnosis starts with fine needle aspiration cytology and/or core biopsy of pathologic lymph node(s) with staining for p16 by immunohistochemistry and subsequent HPV detection by PCR. If these exams are negative (especially in Eastern Countries), in-situ hybridization for Epstein–Barr virus detection should be added. Thorough clinical examination should encompass white light videoendoscopy with the adjunction of bioendoscopic techniques (such as narrow band imaging). Radiologic workup (by CT, MR and/or PET) should be limited to cases that are persistently negative after comprehensive endoscopic evaluation. Invasive diagnostic procedures, such as unilateral or bilateral palatine tonsillectomy and base of tongue mucosectomy, may play a staging as well as a therapeutic role in CUPHN management.

Every effort should be made to identify and remove the primary site of a CUPHN: in doing so, possible subsequent de-intensification protocols by irradiation of the neck alone (with or without previous neck dissection according to the cN category, patient's risk profile, and general status) can be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.
Current outcomes after pediatric and adult intestinal transplantation
Authors: Amin Arpit , Farmer Douglas G.
Published: January 2019

Purpose of review

In this article, we will review the outcomes of patients with intestinal transplant (ITx) with a focus on factors affecting long-term graft and patient survival.

Recent findings

The most recent International Intestinal Transplant Registry reports a 1-, 5-, and 10-year graft survival of 71%, 50%, and 41% respectively, for ITx grafts transplanted since 2000. Over the past decades, significant improvements have been achieved in short-term graft and patient outcomes for ITx recipients. The improvement in short-term outcomes may be related to the focused treatment of antihuman leukocyte antigen antibodies, the use of induction immunotherapy protocols, refinements in surgical techniques, establishment of dedicated ITx units, and improved postoperative management.

However, long-term graft and patient outcomes for ITx recipients remain stagnant. Issues impairing long-term outcomes of ITx include the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic rejection and antibody-mediated rejection, progressive decline in renal function, and long-term infectious and malignancy risks especially related to cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder after ITx.

Addressing and preventing early and late complications is the key to improving short-term and long-term outcomes after ITx.
Reassessing the role of liver transplantation for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver
Authors: Chotai Pranit , Matsuoka Lea
Published: January 2019

Purpose of review

Early studies reported poor survival rates following liver transplantation for metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver and liver transplantation has thus traditionally been contraindicated for these patients. However, improvements in liver transplantation outcomes, immunosuppression and the treatment of colorectal cancer warrant a reassessment of the role of liver transplantation for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Recent findings

The literature on this topic is sparse, the majority of publications being isolated cases of liver transplantation for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver. These case reports are heterogeneous, as patients received varying chemotherapy regimens and liver transplantation was performed at different times and for different indications. A prospective clinical trial out of Norway, however, has recently reported 5-year survival of 60% in a cohort of 21 patients undergoing liver transplantation for metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver. These results are significantly better than standard of care chemotherapy and comparable with outcomes for other indications for liver transplantation.

The role of liver transplantation for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver needs to be further elucidated and defined by ongoing clinical trials and experience with living donor liver transplantation.
Chemotherapy Versus Chemoradiation as Preoperative Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cloyd Jordan M. , Chen Hsiang-Chun , Wang Xuemei , Tzeng Ching-Wei D. , Kim Michael P. , Aloia Thomas A. , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Lee Jeffrey E. , Katz Matthew H.G.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Although the use of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is increasing, the optimal preoperative treatment regimen remains poorly defined.

Methods

All patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who received preoperative chemotherapy alone (12%) or chemoradiation therapy (CRT) alone (88%) before pancreatectomy between 1999 and 2014 were included. Propensity score matching with inverse probability weighting was conducted based on age, baseline carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and procedure type.

Results

Patients who received preoperative CRT were more likely to undergo a margin negative (91% vs 79%, P < 0.01) and node negative (53% vs 23%, P < 0.01) resection and experience less locoregional recurrence (LR; 16% vs 33%, P < 0.01) but similar median overall survival (OS; 33.6 vs 26.4 months, P = 0.09). On multivariate analysis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.3) and positive lymph nodes (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.2) were associated with OS, whereas tumor size (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.8), positive lymph nodes (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.8–5.6), and preoperative chemotherapy (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9) were associated with LR.

Conclusions

Preoperative CRT is associated with less margin and lymph node positivity, reduced LR, and similar OS compared with preoperative chemotherapy.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia-Related Pancreatitis
Authors: Zafrir Barak , Saliba Walid , Jubran Ayman , Hijazi Rawan , Shapira Chen
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The diagnosis of severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) as a cause for acute pancreatitis is often delayed with limited data on the characteristics and predictors of recurrent pancreatitis in this population.

Methods

A regional database of severe HTG level of 1000 mg/dL or greater was analyzed to identify subjects with acute pancreatitis. Factors associated with recurrent pancreatitis during long-term follow-up were investigated.

Results

Severe HTG-associated pancreatitis was evident in 171 patients (75% diabetics). Recurrent pancreatitis was observed in 16%; this was associated with younger age, alcohol abuse, and an increase in triglyceride levels. In multivariable analysis, peak triglycerides level of greater than 3000 mg/dL (hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–6.64; P = 0.011) and most recent triglycerides level of greater than 500 mg/dL (hazard ratio, 3.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–8.66; P = 0.002) remained independently associated with recurrent pancreatitis. These lipid measures as well as alcohol abuse were additionally correlated with a stepwise increase in the number of pancreatitis episodes.

Conclusions

Severe HTG-related pancreatitis was closely associated with diabetes. Extreme HTG and a lack of attainment of lower triglyceride levels were independent long-term predictors of recurrent pancreatitis. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and successful treatment of severe HTG and its underlying disorders to reduce the burden of recurrent pancreatitis.
Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Agonist C21 Ameliorates the High-Fat Diet–Induced Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction Partially by Activation of Antiapoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Liu Min , Li Xiaojing , Ha Si , Wang Anping , Yin Shinan , Mu Yiming
Published: January 2019

Objective

We aim to investigate whether C21, a selective angiotensin type 2 receptor agonist, can exert protective effects on pancreatic β-cells through activation of antiapoptosis and autophagy.

Methods

The high-fat diet–induced obese rats (HFDs) were under C21 treatment for 4 weeks.

Results

C21 treatment decreased the fasting glucose levels and improved β-cell insulin secretory function in the HFD group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and electron microscopy indicated that the islet morphology was improved in the C21-treated obese rats, which was associated with increased levels of the key transcription factor PDX1, glucose sensing, and uptaking protein GCK and GLUT2, respectively. C21 treatment exerted antiapoptotic effects through decreasing the levels of apoptotic marker Caspase-3 while increasing the levels of antiapoptotic markers AKT, p-AKT, and BCL2. C21 treatment also induced autophagosome formation in the mitochondria of the β-cells in the HFD group accompanied by increased levels of autophagy markers, LC-3B and Beclin-1.

Conclusions

The results suggested C21 treatment decreased the fasting glucose level and protected β-cell function in the HFD-induced obese rat model, which in part through activation of antiapoptotic and autophagy processes. This study provided preclinical evidence for the utilization of C21 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Optimizing Immunomodulatory Drug With Proteasome Inhibitor Combinations in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: January 2019

In the modern era of multiple myeloma therapeutics, proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) have replaced chemotherapy regimens for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Treatment combinations that comprise both first- and next-generation PIs, including bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib and IMiDs, including thalidomide and lenalidomide, have been evaluated in phases II and III clinical trials and have shown significant efficacy with manageable toxicity profiles. Bortezomib or carfilzomib with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD and KRD) are the most promising regimens resulting in significant survival improvement. Disease and patient characteristics should lead the individualization of treatment, with the eligibility for autologous transplant being of principal importance. The addition of a monoclonal antibody to PI with IMiD combinations is currently under clinical investigation and may lead to further treatment optimization.
Nurse Author: Who Me? Yes, You!
Authors: Mauk Kristen L. , Almauhy Deborah , Barks Lelia , Black Terrie , Camicia Michelle , Campbell Grace B. , Dzurec Laura Cox , Green Theresa L. , Neal-Boylan Leslie , Pierce Linda L.
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose

Potential nurse authors may find writing a challenge, including managing the publication process from getting started through submission to revision of the work and its acceptance. This special article presents strategies to help inexperienced writers develop and hone skills for journal publication.

Potential Publication Strategies

Tips discussed here that may lead to manuscript acceptance include selecting a topic of interest, using motivational self-talk approaches and structuring time to write, choosing coauthors, targeting a journal for submission, writing strong sentences in active voice, developing a structured abstract, using correct citation and reference formats, understanding reviews and resubmitting the manuscript, and keeping momentum to produce continued writing results. Practical writing hints are also suggested for inexperienced writers.

Relevance and Conclusion

These strategies can help guide nurse writers in planning, navigating the system, and finding success as a published author.
Implementation of a Trauma Quality Improvement Program Communications Package Decreases Time-to-Operation for Facial Trauma
Authors: Keller Patrick R. , Schneeberger Steven , Drolet Brian C. , Al Kassis Salam , Bennett Pearce F. , Perdikis Galen
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Facial trauma is common and carries significant morbidity and cost. Suboptimal interdisciplinary communication is associated with negative health outcomes. This study evaluates the clinical impact of implementation of American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) interdisciplinary communication guidelines between facial surgery and trauma teams.

Methods

Patients with facial trauma presenting to our level 1 trauma center between May and December 2017 were included (N = 812) and split into 3 groups, each anonymously representing a service that treats facial trauma. Services 1 and 2 were controls, and service 3 adopted TQIP communication guidelines. Mean and slope of time-to-operation (TTO) and mean length of stay were assessed 106 days before (n = 95) and 107 days after (n = 77) implementation.

Results

For service 3, mean TTO decreased significantly from 6.2 to 2.9 days (P = 0.005) after implementation of the communication intervention. There was no significant difference in mean TTO preimplementation versus postimplementation in either control cohort, including service 1 (4.6 vs 4.9 days; P = 0.59) and service 2 (4.2 vs 4.5 days; P = 0.62). Average length of stay did not differ significantly between the preintervention versus postintervention in any service (service 1: 9.0 vs 8.3 days, P = 0.43; service 2: 4.6 vs 6.6 days, P = 0.85; service 3: 6.7 vs 6.4 days, P = 0.45).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that cost-free TQIP-guided improvement in interdisciplinary communication between the trauma service and a consulting surgical specialist decreases TTO for patients with operative facial trauma. Health care providers should develop strong well-defined communication channels between collaborating teams involved in patient care to optimize patient clinical outcomes.
John Francis Talling. 23 March 1929—20 June 2017
Authors: Maberly S. C. , Heaney S. I.
Published: January 2019

John (Jack) Francis Talling was a master limnologist who pioneered much of our understanding of the River Nile, the great lakes of the African Rift Valley and those of the English Lake District. He was one of the world's leading authorities on the ecophysiology of freshwater phytoplankton and specialized in the control of their productivity by light and carbon dioxide. His perspectives were formed by interaction with leading scientists of the day, mainly at the Freshwater Biological Association, Cumbria, but also at laboratories in Africa and at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California. Jack's work on the effects of light on phytoplankton productivity was based on detailed measurements of the underwater light climate in lakes and oceans as well as laboratory and field measurements of the response of phytoplankton photosynthesis to light, involving the development of new or improved measurement methods. Calculation procedures were developed to estimate how light controls primary productivity. He devised the widely used characteristic ‘
I
k
’ to quantify the onset of light saturation in the curve that defines the response of photosynthesis to light quantity. Experiences in extremely productive African soda lakes stimulated an interest in the possibility of CO
2
being a limiting factor controlling phytoplankton productivity and, more generally, Jack had the ecological insight to recognize that ecological dynamics resulted from interactions among factors rather than a response to a single variable.
Structures and functions of invertebrate glycosylation
Authors: Zhu Feifei , Li Dong , Chen Keping
Published: January 2019

Glycosylation refers to the covalent attachment of sugar residues to a protein or lipid, and the biological importance of this modification has been widely recognized. While glycosylation in mammals is being extensively investigated, lower level animals such as invertebrates have not been adequately interrogated for their glycosylation. The rich diversity of invertebrate species, the increased database of sequenced invertebrate genomes and the time and cost efficiency of raising and experimenting on these species have enabled a handful of the species to become excellent model organisms, which have been successfully used as tools for probing various biologically interesting problems. Investigation on invertebrate glycosylation, especially on model organisms, not only expands the structural and functional knowledgebase, but also can facilitate deeper understanding on the biological functions of glycosylation in higher organisms. Here, we reviewed the research advances in invertebrate glycosylation, including N- and O-glycosylation, glycosphingolipids and glycosaminoglycans. The aspects of glycan biosynthesis, structures and functions are discussed, with a focus on the model organismsDrosophilaandCaenorhabditis. Analytical strategies for the glycans and glycoconjugates are also summarized.
The quasi-low temperature behaviour of specific heat
Authors: Gusev Yuri Vladimirovich
Published: January 2019

A new mathematical approach to condensed matter physics, based on the finite temperature field theory, was recently proposed. The field theory is a scale-free formalism; thus, it denies absolute values of thermodynamic temperature and uses dimensionless thermal variables, which are obtained with the group velocities of sound and the interatomic distance. This formalism was previously applied to the specific heat of condensed matter and predicted its fourth power of temperature behaviour at sufficiently low temperatures, which was tested by experimental data for diamond lattice materials. The range of temperatures with the quartic law varies for different materials; therefore, it is called the quasi-low temperature regime. The quasi-low temperature behaviour of specific heat is verified here with experimental data for the fcc lattice materials, silver chloride and lithium iodide. The conjecture that the fourth order behaviour is universal for all condensed matter systems has also supported the data for glassy matter: vitreous silica. This law is long known to hold for the bcc solid helium-4. The characteristic temperatures of the threshold of the quasi-low temperature regime are found for the studied materials. The scaling in the specific heat of condensed matter is expressed by the dimensionless parameter, which is explored with the data for several glasses. The explanation of the correlation of the ‘boson peak’ temperature with the shear velocity is proposed. The critique of the Debye theory of specific heat and the Born–von Karman model of the lattice dynamics is given.
Running in circles in phylomorphospace: host environment constrains morphological diversification in parasitic wasps
Authors: Santos Bernardo F. , Perrard Adrien , Brady Seán G.
Published: January 2019

Understanding phenotypic diversification and the conditions that spur morphological novelty or constraint is a major theme in evolutionary biology. Unequal morphological diversity between sister clades can result from either differences in the rate of morphological change or in the ability of clades to explore novel phenotype ranges. We combine an existing phylogenetic framework with new phylogenomic data and geometric morphometrics to explore the relative roles of rate versus mode of morphological evolution for a hyperdiverse group: cryptine ichneumonid wasps. Data from genomic ultraconserved elements confirm that cryptines are divided into two large clades: one specialized in the use of hosts that are deeply concealed under hard substrates, and another with a much more diversified host range. Using a phylomorphospace approach, we show that both clades have experienced similar rates of morphological evolution. Nonetheless, the more specialized group is much more restricted in morphospace occupation, indicating that it repeatedly evolved morphological change through the same morphospace regions. This is in agreement with our prediction that host use imposes constraints in the morphospace available to lineages, and reinforces an important distinction between evolutionary stasis as opposed to a scenario of continual morphological change restricted to a certain range of morphotypes.
Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales
Authors: Bernaldo de Quirós Y. , Fernandez A. , Baird R. W. , Brownell R. L. , Aguilar de Soto N. , Allen D. , Arbelo M. , Arregui M. , Costidis A. , Fahlman A. , Frantzis A. , Gulland F. M. D. , Iñíguez M. , Johnson M. , Komnenou A. , Koopman H. , Pabst D. A. , Roe W. D. , Sierra E. , Tejedor M. , Schorr G.
Published: January 2019

Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information.
Male responses to sperm competition when rivals vary in number and familiarity
Authors: Lymbery Samuel J. , Tomkins Joseph L. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: January 2019

Males of many species adjust their reproductive investment to the number of rivals present simultaneously. However, few studies have investigated whether males sum previous encounters with rivals, and the total level of competition has never been explicitly separated from social familiarity. Social familiarity can be an important component of kin recognition and has been suggested as a cue that males use to avoid harming females when competing with relatives. Previous work has succeeded in independently manipulating social familiarity and relatedness among rivals, but experimental manipulations of familiarity are confounded with manipulations of the total number of rivals that males encounter. Using the seed beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus
, we manipulated three factors: familiarity among rival males, the maximum number of rivals encountered simultaneously and the total number of rivals encountered over a 48 h period. Males produced smaller ejaculates when exposed to more rivals in total, regardless of the maximum number of rivals they encountered simultaneously. Males did not respond to familiarity. Our results demonstrate that males of this species can sum the number of rivals encountered over separate days, and therefore the confounding of familiarity with the total level of competition in previous studies should not be ignored.
Process noise distinguishes between indistinguishable population dynamics
Authors: Simpson Matthew J. , Ryan Jacob M. , McGree James M. , Baker Ruth E.
Published: January 2019

Model selectionis becoming increasingly important in mathematical biology. Model selection often involves comparing a set of observations with predictions from a suite of continuum mathematical models and selecting the model that provides the best explanation of the data. In this work we consider the more challenging problem of model selection in a stochastic setting. We consider five different stochastic models describing population growth. Through simulation we show that all five stochastic models gives rise to classical logistic growth in the limit where we consider a large number of identically prepared realisations. Therefore, comparing mean data from each of the models gives indistinguishable predictions and model selection based on population-level information is impossible. To overcome this challenge we extractprocess noisefrom individual realisations of each model and identify properties in the process noise that differ between the various stochastic models. Using a Bayesian framework, we show how process noise can be used successfully to make a probabilistic distinction between the various stochastic models. The relative success of this approach depends upon the identification of appropriate summary statistics and we illustrate how increasingly sophisticated summary statistics can lead to improved model selection, but this improvement comes at the cost of requiring more detailed summary statistics.
Differential effects of open- and closed-loop intracortical microstimulation on firing patterns of neurons in distant cortical areas
Authors: Averna Alberto , Pasquale Valentina , Murphy Maxwell , Rogantin Maria Piera , Acker Gustaf Van , Nudo Randolph J. , Chiappalone Michela , Guggenmos David
Published: January 2019

Background

Intracortical microstimulation can be used successfully to modulate neuronal activity. Activity-dependent stimulation (ADS), in which action potentials recorded extracellularly from a single neuron are used to trigger stimulation at another cortical location (closed-loop), is an effective treatment for behavioral recovery after brain lesion in rodents. Neurophysiological changes in cortical communication induced by ADS, and how these changes differ from those induced by open-loop random stimulation (RS) are still not clear.

Objectives

We investigated the ability of ADS and RS to induce changes in firing patterns in distant populations of neurons in healthy anesthetized rats.

Methods

For this study we used 23 adult Long-Evan rats, recording from a total of 591 neuronal units. Stimulation was delivered to either forelimb or barrel field somatosensory cortex, using either randomly-timed stimulus pulses or ADS triggered from neuronal spikes recorded in the rostral forelimb area (RFA) of the motor cortex.

Results

Both RS and ADS stimulation protocols rapidly altered spike firing within RFA compared with no stimulation. Changes consisted of increases in mean firing rates and patterns of spike firing as measured by the revised Local Variation metric. ADS was more effective than RS in increasing short-latency evoked spikes during the stimulation periods, by producing a reliable, progressive increase in stimulus-related activity over time.

Conclusions

These results are critical for understanding the efficacy of electrical microstimulation protocols in altering activity patterns in interconnected brain networks. These data further strengthen the idea that activity-dependent microstimulation, can be used to modulate cortical state and functional connectivity.
Loss of heterozygosity of essential genes represents a widespread class of potential cancer vulnerabilities
Authors: Nichols Caitlin A. , Gibson William J. , Brown Meredith S. , Kosmicki Jack A. , Busanovich John P. , Wei Hope , Urbanski Laura M. , Curimjee Naomi , Berger Ashton C. , Gao Galen F. , Cherniack Andrew D. , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Paolella Brenton R. , Beroukhim Rameen
Published: January 2019

Alterations in non-driver genes represent an emerging class of potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Hundreds to thousands of non-driver genes undergo loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events per tumor, generating discrete differences between tumor and normal cells. Here we interrogate LOH of polymorphisms in essential genes as a novel class of therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that monoallelic inactivation of the allele retained in tumors can selectively kill cancer cells but not somatic cells, which retain both alleles. We identified 5664 variants in 1278 essential genes that undergo LOH in cancer and evaluated the potential for each to be targeted using allele-specific gene-editing, RNAi, or small-molecule approaches. We further show that allele-specific inactivation of either of two essential genes (PRIM1 and EXOSC8) reduces growth of cells harboring that allele, while cells harboring the non-targeted allele remain intact. We conclude that LOH of essential genes represents a rich class of non-driver cancer vulnerabilities.
Flight-to-quality and contagion in the European sovereign debt crisis
Authors: Pereira Inês Prates , Lagoa Sérgio
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the co-movements between the Portuguese, Greek, Irish and German government bond markets after the subprime crisis (2007 to 2013), with a special focus on the European sovereign debt crisis. It aims to assess the existence of contagion between the Portuguese, Greece and Irish bond markets and to explore the phenomenon of flight-to-quality from the Portuguese and Greek bond markets to the German market.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is undertaken using a DCC-GARCH model with daily data for 10-year yield government bonds. The change in correlation from the stable periods to the crisis periods is used to identify contagion or flight-to-quality.

Findings

Results suggest that there was contagion between the Greek and Portuguese markets, and to a lesser extent between the Irish and Portuguese markets. During most of the identified crisis periods, there are evident flight-to-quality flows from the Portuguese and Greek bond markets to the German market.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by applying the methodology DCC-GARCH to several crisis episodes for the analysis of contagion and flight-to-quality during the European sovereign debt crisis.
Business, society, and the need for stewardship orientation
Authors: Nijhof Andre , Schaveling Jaap , Zalesky Nicolette
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Organizational change involves optimizing a firm’s sustainability performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore how strategic orientations concerning the interface between business and society influence organizations’ sustainability performance. To explain how different strategic orientations – especially stewardship and instrumental orientations – impact sustainability performance, dynamic managerial capability theory is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Ours is an inductive, qualitative study based on the template analysis of interviews conducted among sustainability managers from stock-listed multinational corporations headquartered in the Eurozone.

Findings

Corporations with a stewardship orientation develop different dynamic managerial capabilities underlying sustainability performance than corporations that apply a more instrumental orientation. Results also show an “in-between” position: an equidistant orientation.

Research limitations/implications

This study proves the emergence of different dynamic managerial capabilities that depend on companies’ strategic orientation, but follow-up research based on appreciative inquiry is needed to investigate the development of these capabilities over time.

Practical implications

For achieving a higher level of sustainability performance, a stewardship orientation offers a stronger foundation than an instrumental orientation. Also companies with an equidistant orientation have a better sustainability performance than companies with an instrumental orientation, but based on a more central corporate level. The strategic orientation must be grounded in the development of fitting dynamic managerial capabilities that include an emphasis on shared cognition of long-term objectives, inclusion of stakeholders and setting objectives. Also strong internal and external ties, leadership of the CEO, educational background and how to deal with lack of knowledge are important aspects of managerial social and human capital.

Social implications

Due to its focus on the sustainability performance of companies and the identification of the supporting dynamic managerial capabilities, this paper is socially highly relevant.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on strategic orientation, but little to no research has investigated how various strategic orientations toward the interface between business and society impact sustainability performance or what role dynamic managerial capabilities might play in the related change process.
Engine oil degradation analysis of construction equipment in Latin America
Authors: Azevedo Kurt , Olsen Daniel B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine and describe the effect of oil degradation on the engine of a 20-ton class excavator operating in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

The research parameters include: a specific engine class and equipment, the John Deere PowerTech Plus 6068 Tier 3 diesel engine that powers the 20-ton class excavator; identical OSA3 oil analysis laboratory equipment in 11 target countries in Latin America was employed to analyze oil samples; and the same sampling scope and method were followed for each oil sample.

Findings

The research results indicated that at 500 h of use, 73.4 percent of the oil sample results indicated that soot accumulation was a significant problem. When associating the engine oil contamination with the environment risk drivers: altitude and diesel quality have the greatest impact on iron readings; bio-diesel impacts copper; and precipitation and poor diesel quality are associated with silicon levels.

Practical implications

Due to diverse machine operating conditions, research offers an accurate global representation. Because there is an exponential count of particles as oil use approaches 250 h, the interval of engine maintenance (oil change) for machinery operating under similar conditions should not exceed 250 h of use.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper will help machinery final users and manufacturers to implement mitigation strategies to improve engine durability in countries with similar operating conditions.
Maintenance policy optimization for a cold standby system considering multiple failure types
Authors: Qi Faqun , Zhou Binghai
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop novel preventive maintenance (PM) modeling methods for a cold standby system subject to two types of failures: random failure and deterioration failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The system consists of two components and a single repair shop, assuming that the repair shop can only service for one component at a time. Based on semi-Markov theory, transition probabilities between all possible system states are discussed. With the transition probabilities, Markov renewal equations are established at regenerative points. By solving the Markov regenerative equations, the mean time from the initial state to system failure (MTSF) and the steady state availability (SSA) are formulated as two reliability measures for different reliability requirements of systems. The optimal PM policies are obtained when MTSF and SSA are maximized.

Findings

The result of simulation experiments verifies that the derived maintenance models are effective. Sensitivity analysis revealed the significant influencing factors for optimal PM policy for cold standby systems when different system reliability indexes (i.e. MTSF and SSA) are considered. Furthermore, the results show that the repair for random failure has a tremendous impact on prolonging the MTSF of cold standby system and PM plays a greater role in promoting the system availability of a cold standby system than it does in prolonging the MTSF of system.

Practical implications

In practical situations, system not only suffers normal deterioration caused by internal factors, but also undergoes random failures influenced by random shocks. Therefore, multiple failure types are needed to be considered in maintenance modeling. The result of the sensitivity analysis has an instructional role in making maintenance decisions by different system reliability indexes (i.e. MTSF and SSA).

Originality/value

This paper presents novel PM modeling methods for a cold standby system subject to two types of failures: random failure and deterioration failure. The sensitivity analysis identifies the significant influencing factors for optimal maintenance policy by different system reliability indexes which are useful for the managers for further decision making.
A shift towards self-transcendence: can service learning make a difference?
Authors: Petrovskaya Irina
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to answer a question whether a course that combines in-class teaching and the out-class elements of service learning can shift students’ values from self-enhancement to self-transcendence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a pre-test-post-test control group research design. Two groups of the first year undergraduate business students who took the course served as the experimental groups (N = 79), and two groups of the second year students served as the control groups (N = 73). Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-40) was used to measure values, and a t-test was applied to compare value scores at the beginning and the end of the course.

Findings

A statistically significant value change toward self-transcendence was found in one of the two experimental groups, and no change was registered in the control groups. Analysis of the course activities and participation suggests that the change was brought about by the variations in the volunteering experiences.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research that focuses on the outcomes of service learning. The research on how service learning affects values, especially pro-social ones, is currently limited. The present study suggests implications for further research and discussion on the possible ways to promote the values of self-transcendence through educational activities.
Water‐borne defence induction of a rockweed in the wild
Authors: Haavisto Fiia , Jormalainen Veijo
Published: January 2019

Laboratory‐scale studies suggest that water‐borne chemical cues released in grazing of marine macroalgae act as info‐chemicals allowing the yet‐undamaged conspecifics to increase their resistance before the actual herbivore attack. The relevance of this finding in natural populations has thus far remained unexplored.

We investigated spread of water‐borne herbivore resistance in a field experiment using the littoral foundation species Fucus vesiculosus. We exposed algal genotypes for water‐borne cues in the distances of 0.5 and 2 m from the grazed cue‐emitting genotypes. We measured herbivore resistance with preference experiments and recorded changes in the phlorotannin content. We recorded changes in biomass and length of the genotypes to test whether water‐borne resistance correlates with the grazing damage on the cue‐emitter or incurs costs for the genotypes in terms of reduced growth.

In two of our four experimental blocks, induced resistance via water‐borne cues took place and spread to undamaged neighbours that were 2 m distance apart. This provides evidence of water‐borne resistance induction in the wild as well as of small‐scale spatial variation in the spread of induction. The undamaged neighbours induced resistance to a lesser extent than the directly grazed cue‐emitters did, but resistance was consistently expressed among all 26 algal genotypes and independent of the amount of grazing damage on the cue‐emitter. Herbivore resistance correlated negatively with the growth in the grazed cue‐emitting genotypes, while water‐borne resistance was independent of the variation in growth.

Our results show, for the first time for marine macroalgae in a natural setting, that information about the increased risk of herbivory can be carried by water‐borne cues and is used to prime or induce defences prior to an actual attack. The results we present furthermore indicate that water‐borne resistance differs quantitatively and qualitatively from the resistance triggered by actively feeding herbivores. Ability to induce resistance prior the herbivore arrival may greatly influence the ability of littoral macroalgae to withstand the generally intense herbivory of marine benthic environments.

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Population genetic structure of Asian snakehead fish (Channa striata) in North Borneo: Implications for conservation of local freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Robert Rolando , Amit Noor H. , Sukarno Nor M. , Majapun Richard J. , Kumar Subbiah V.
Published: January 2019

This study quantified the intra‐specific diversity and characterized the population structure of the Asian snakehead fish, Channa striata in Sabah, North Borneo by determining the variability at six microsatellite loci. Range of genetic diversity across all sampled populations was comparatively moderate in relation to levels reported for C. striata populations occurring elsewhere and the overall Sabah population is highly structured, reflecting isolations across geological and ecological time scales. Two reciprocally monophyletic genodemes were identified along the west and east coast that may have been separated by mountain upthrusts throughout the central region of Sabah. Despite kinship among populations within each genodeme, individual demes were discrete as indicated by significant genotypic differentiation (all P < 0.0014) and low estimates of gene flow between them that likely reflect natural fragmentation of freshwater habitats they occupy. Our findings underline the potential of molecular markers in delimiting and delineating geospatial units of conservation in Sabah. Lowland freshwater ecosystems in the area may comprise two geographically isolated ecoregions, in which each hypothetically harbours biota that have evolved allopatrically. Additionally, identification of biodiversity hotspots within these putative ecoregions can be greatly facilitated with genetic‐level investigations as the rate by which freshwater communities are inventoried has been extremely slow in most habitats.
Regional Integration, Multinational Enterprise Strategy and the Impact of Country‐level Risk: The Case of the EMU
Authors: Hillemann Jenny , Verbeke Alain , Oh Won‐Yong
Published: January 2019

The European Monetary Union (EMU) provides a new macro‐level, institutional setting for multinational enterprises (MNEs). The authors investigate the impact of regional integration on MNE strategy by analysing Belgian firms’ entry‐mode choices in foreign markets, both EMU and non‐EMU ones, with a focus on what impact remains of country‐level risk. They demonstrate that regional integration has altered the impact of country‐level institutional risk on MNE entry‐mode choices inside the EMU. The conventional predictions of international business theory have been reversed, with higher country‐level risk inside the EMU driving a preference for wholly owned subsidiaries. Within the integrated region, insider firms now view higher country‐level risk as the equivalent of higher, micro‐level contracting risk. Such risk can best be mitigated through full internalization, combined with arm's length contracts, rather than through equity joint ventures.
Diaphragm‐sparing effect of the infraclavicular subomohyoid block vs low volume interscalene block. A randomized blinded study
Authors: Taha Ahmad M. , Yurdi Nagib A. , Elahl Mohamed I. , Abd‐Elmaksoud Ahmed M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Both low volume interscalene and infraclavicular‐subomohyoid blocks were suggested to provide shoulder analgesia with low risk of phrenic nerve block. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of the phrenic nerve block between these two techniques.

Method

Seventy‐two patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy were included in this randomized controlled blind study. Before induction of general anesthesia, patients received low volume interscalene block using 5 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% (LVS group) or infraclavicular‐subomohyoid block using 25 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% (ISO group). The diaphragmatic excursion was measured (using ultrasound) before the block and after surgery. If the ratio of postoperative to pre‐block excursions was <25%, a phrenic nerve block was concluded. Secondary outcomes were: the duration of analgesia, the 24‐hour morphine requirement, and patient satisfaction.

Results

The phrenic nerve was blocked in 88.9% of patients in LVS group vs 5.6% in ISO group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the duration of analgesia, the morphine consumption, and the patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Compared with the low volume interscalene block, the infraclavicular subomohyoid block resulted in a significantly less frequent phrenic nerve block and with no difference in postoperative analgesia. Therefore, it may be relevant to consider for patients who cannot tolerate a phrenic nerve block.
Influence of Alcohol on Branched‐Chain Amino Acid/Tyrosine Molar Ratio in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Mamata Yukimitsu , Mizuno Hiroshi , Tominaga Tomonari , Suga Makoto , Suemori Shoichi , Sato Akira , Suzuki Michihiro
Published: January 2019

We investigated whether the reduction of plasma tyrosine in alcoholic liver disease would affect the branched‐chain amino acid/tyrosine molar ratio (BTR) measured using an enzymatic assay method in alcoholic cirrhosis. BTR values were higher in patients with compensated and decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis (5.68 ± 2.29 and 3.28 ± 0.75) due to reduction of the tyrosine level relative to those in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis (3.64 ± 1.22 and 2.53 ± 0.99). A decrease in tyrosine level and an increase in BTR value were observed after single ethanol administration to healthy subjects. As significant elevation of serum immunoreactive insulin levels followed elevation of serum glucose levels after alcohol loading, it was thought that insulin accelerated intrahepatic metabolism of aromatic amino acids, resulting in reduction of the tyrosine level. The same mechanism may be applied to tyrosine reduction in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis during heavy drinking.
Correlation of a Polymorphism in the Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist Gene with Hepatic Fibrosis in Japanese Alcoholics
Authors: Takamatsu Masashi , Yamauchi Masayoshi , Maezawa Yoshihiko , Ohata Mitsuru , Saitoh Saburo , Toda Gotaro
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any association between interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL1‐Ra) genotype and alcoholic liver disease. The IL1‐Ra genotype was assessed in 102 Japanese male alcoholic liver disease patients and 46 healthy subjects by polymerase chain reaction with leukocyte DNA. The distribution of IL1‐Ra genotype and the allelic frequencies in Japanese healthy subjects are both significantly different from that previously reported in Caucasians (A1/A1 genotype: 95.7% in Japanese vs. 54.0% in Caucasians, p < 0.001; A1 allele: 97.8% vs. 73.4%, p < 0.001). The frequency of A1 heterozygotes tended to be higher in Japanese alcoholics with fibrosis, compared with those without fibrosis (14.9% vs. 2.9%). Furthermore, within the fibrotic groups, cumulative alcohol intake was significantly lower in A1 heterozygotes than in the A1 homozygotes (877 ± 118 kg vs. 1369 ± 90 kg, p < 0.05). In conclusion, a genetic polymorphism in the IL1‐Ra gene may influence the risk of developing hepatic fibrosis in Japanese alcoholics. The same study should be conducted in Caucasian patients having more frequency of IL1‐Ra A1 heterozygotes.