bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobility of moose—comparing the effects of wolf predation risk, reproductive status, and seasonality
Authors: Wikenros Camilla , Balogh Gyöngyvér , Sand Håkan , Nicholson Kerry L. , Månsson Johan
Published: November 2016

In a predator–prey system, prey species may adapt to the presence of predators with behavioral changes such as increased vigilance, shifting habitats, or changes in their mobility. In North America, moose (Alces alces) have shown behavioral adaptations to presence of predators, but such antipredator behavioral responses have not yet been found in Scandinavian moose in response to the recolonization of wolves (Canis lupus). We studied travel speed and direction of movement of GPS‐collared female moose (n = 26) in relation to spatiotemporal differences in wolf predation risk, reproductive status, and time of year. Travel speed was highest during the calving (May–July) and postcalving (August–October) seasons and was lower for females with calves than females without calves. Similarly, time of year and reproductive status affected the direction of movement, as more concentrated movement was observed for females with calves at heel, during the calving season. We did not find support for that wolf predation risk was an important factor affecting moose travel speed or direction of movement. Likely causal factors for the weak effect of wolf predation risk on mobility of moose include high moose‐to‐wolf ratio and intensive hunter harvest of the moose population during the past century.
Reindeer habitat selection under the risk of brown bear predation during calving season
Authors: Sivertsen Therese R. , Åhman Birgitta , Steyaert Sam M. J. G. , Rönnegård Lars , Frank Jens , Segerström Peter , Støen Ole‐Gunnar , Skarin Anna
Published: November 2016

The depredation of semi‐domesticated reindeer by large carnivores reflects an important human–wildlife conflict in Fennoscandia. Recent studies have revealed that brown bears (Ursus arctos) may kill substantial numbers of reindeer calves (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in forest areas in Sweden. Several authors have suggested that predation risk is an important driver of habitat selection in wildRangiferpopulations where predation is a limiting factor, but little is known about these mechanisms in semi‐domesticated populations. We examined the habitat selection of female reindeer in relation to spatial and temporal variations in brown bear predation risk on the reindeer calving grounds and evaluated the simultaneous responses of brown bears and reindeer to landscape characteristics. We usedGPSdata from 110 reindeer years (97 individuals) and 29 brown bear years (19 individuals), from two reindeer herding districts in the forest area of northern Sweden. Our results did not indicate that reindeer alter their behavior in response to spatiotemporal variation in brown bear predation risk, on the scale of the calving range. Instead, we suggest that spatiotemporal behavioral adjustments by brown bears were the main driver of prey–predator interactions in our study system. Contrasting responses by brown bears and reindeer to clear‐cuts and young forest indicate that forestry can influence species interactions and possibly yield negative consequences for the reindeer herd. Even if clear‐cuts may be beneficial in terms of calf survival, logging activity will eventually cause greater abundance of young regenerating forest, reducing available reindeer habitats and increasing habitat preferred by brown bears. Domestication may have made semi‐domesticated reindeer in Fennoscandia less adapted to cope with predators. Areal restrictions, limiting the opportunity for dispersion and escape, possibly make the calves more susceptible to predation. Also, a generally higher population density in semi‐domesticated herds compared to wild populations can make dispersion a less efficient strategy and the reindeer calves easier prey. Overall, the lack of ability of the reindeer females to reduce brown bear encounter risk on the scale of the calving range is probably an important reason for the high brown bear predation rates on reindeer calves documented in our study areas.
Local checkpoint inhibition of CTLA‐4 as a monotherapy or in combination with anti‐PD1 prevents the growth of murine bladder cancer
Authors: van Hooren Luuk , Sandin Linda C. , Moskalev Igor , Ellmark Peter , Dimberg Anna , Black Peter , Tötterman Thomas H. , Mangsbo Sara M.
Published: November 2016

Checkpoint blockade of CTLA‐4 results in long‐lasting survival benefits in metastatic cancer patients. However, patients treated with CTLA‐4 blockade have suffered from immune‐related adverse events, most likely due to the breadth of the induced T‐cell activation. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a local low‐dose anti‐CTLA‐4 administration for treatment of subcutaneous or orthotopic murine bladder 49 (MB49) bladder carcinoma in C57BL/6 mice. When MB49 tumors were grown s.c., peritumoral (p.t.) injection of anti‐CTLA‐4 treatment was equally effective as intravenous or s.c. (nontumor bearing flank) administration. Notably, p.t. injection was associated with lower circulating antibody levels and decreased IL‐6 serum levels as compared to systemic treatment. Ultrasound‐guided intratumoral anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody treatment of orthotopically growing MB49 tumors resulted in tumor regression, with more than tenfold reduction in systemic antibody levels as compared to i.v. or s.c. administration, in line with the compartmentally restrained nature of the bladder. Local anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy in combination with anti‐PD‐1 therapy resulted in complete responses, superior to each therapy alone. In addition, p.t. anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy was potentiated by depletion of regulatory T cells. Our results demonstrate that local anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody therapy is equally effective as systemic administration, but reduces systemic antibody levels and cytokine release, and enhances the response to anti‐PD1 therapy.
Cytotoxic Titanium(IV) Complexes of Salalen‐Based Ligands
Authors: Tzubery Avia , Tshuva Edit Y.
Published: November 2016

A new family of cytotoxic TiIV complexes is described, based on the salalen (half salan and half salen) ligands. Altogether, 17 (salalen)TiIV complexes with different ligand substitutions and different numbers of labile groups were synthesized. Representative complexes were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The complexes were evaluated for their hydrolytic stability in 10 % D2O solutions, their cytotoxicity toward HT‐29 human colon cancer cells, and the retaining of activity after pre‐incubation in aquatic medium prior to cell addition. The results showed that: (a) reducing complexes' lability increased hydrolytic stability, (b) bulky groups often increased kinetic stability toward hydrolysis, but also damaged accessibility, (c) for unstable complexes, some hydrolysis products are likely the active species, (d) specific hydrophobic groups may facilitate penetration through the cell membrane, and (e) one di‐tert‐butylated salalen catecholato complex was identified as the superior derivative, combing high cytotoxicity with high stability and accessibility.
Influence of Lewis Bases on the Mesogenic and Luminescent Properties of Homogeneous Films of Europium(III) Tris(β‐diketonate) Adducts
Authors: Knyazev Andrey A. , Karyakin Maksim E. , Romanova Ksenia A. , Heinrich Benoît , Donnio Bertrand , Galyametdinov Yuriy G.
Published: November 2016

A new series of neutral protomesogenic EuIIItris(β‐diketonate) adducts with different Lewis bases have been synthesized. Only one of the complexes is liquid‐crystalline and displays smectic A and nematic mesomorphism over a broad temperature range. Quantum‐chemistry and small‐angle X‐ray scattering methods have permitted the evaluation of the influence of the structure of the Lewis base on the anisometry of EuIIIadduct molecules and their subsequent supramolecular organization. The structural features of the presented compounds allow the creation of vitrified optically isotropic and self‐organized films with effective red luminescence. The luminescence spectra of aligned thin films of a liquid‐crystalline EuIIIcomplex are also described.
Synthesis and Structure of [2]Tetrelocenophanes
Authors: Schäfer André , Rohe Kevin , Grandjean Alexander , Huch Volker
Published: November 2016

The concept of metallocenophanes has been well established for transition metals for a long time. Expanding this concept to p‐block elements, the synthesis of sila[2]tetrelocenophanes, with examples for germanium, tin, and lead as the central atoms, was explored. For the first time, the crystal structures of such compounds were obtained, and they gave intriguing insight into the geometry of this almost unexplored class of low‐valent main‐group molecules.
Degradation of fatty acids and tocopherols to form tocopheryl quinone as risk factor during microwave heating, pan‐frying and deep‐fat frying
Authors: Kreps František , Burčová Zuzana , Schmidt Štefan
Published: November 2016

We investigated degradation of tocopherols to form tocopheryl quinones (TQ) and cytotoxic γ‐tocopheryl quinone in oils and French fries during microwave heating, pan‐frying and deep‐fat frying. We proved that the microwave oven caused rapid increase of oil temperature, with the consequence of two to three times greater degradation of fatty acids and tocopherols than pan‐frying and deep‐fat frying. Pan‐frying with sunflower oil caused three‐time greater formation of fatty acids polymers, compare with rapeseed oil. The gentlest one was deep‐fat frying, which caused two times slower formation of fatty acid hydroperoxides and tocopheryl quinones in 900 g of oil. We found that not only the quantity but also the type of oil had critical effect on the formation of cytotoxic γ‐tocopheryl quinone. During 50 min of pan‐frying in rapeseed oil, 22 mg/kg of γ‐tocopheryl quinones was formed, of which 5–7 mg/kg penetrated into the homemade French fries. While the deep‐fat frying technique generated only 6 mg/kg of γ‐tocopheryl quinones in rapeseed oil. The rapid microwave heating caused formation of 8 mg/kg of γ‐tocopheryl quinones within 10 min. The emergence of γ‐tocopheryl quinones during culinary preparation of food has not yet been explored.

Practical applications: Although an extensive research have been conducted in the area of microwave heating of foods, this is the first report about formation of cytotoxic γ‐tocopheryl quinone in microwave‐heated rapeseed oil. Formation of this reactive compound was also confirmed during frying process. The most γ‐tocopheryl quinone was formed during pan‐frying and subsequently entered into fried food. It was observed that the amount of oil used for frying has a major impact on slowing formation of cytotoxic γ‐tocopheryl quinone and other tocopherols and fatty acids degradation product.

Formation of health‐promoting α‐tocopheryl quinone and cytotoxic γ‐tocopheryl quinone during pan‐frying.
Modular Urea‐Based Catalytic Platforms Bearing Flexible Pyridylmethylamine and Rigid Pyridyl‐Imidazolidine Fragments
Authors: Colin Olivier , Boufroura Hamza , Thomassigny Christine , Perato Serge , Gaucher Anne , Marrot Jérôme , Prim Damien
Published: November 2016

The selective and concise synthesis of new urea‐based catalytic platforms is described. Each platform incorporates a urea or thiourea motif with a pyridylmethylamine or pyridyl‐imidazolidine fragment. These modular catalytic platforms efficiently promote Michael addition reactions. Moreover, the corresponding Cu complexes successfully catalyse Henry‐type reactions.
One‐step zymogram method for the simultaneous detection of cellulase/xylanase activity and molecular weight estimation of the enzyme
Authors: Cano‐Ramírez Claudia , Santiago‐Hernández Alejandro , Rivera‐Orduña Flor Nohemí , Pineda‐Mendoza Rosa María , Zúñiga Gerardo , Hidalgo‐Lara María Eugenia
Published: November 2016

Here, we describe a zymographic method for the simultaneous detection of enzymatic activity and molecular weight (MW) estimation, following a single electrophoresis step. This involved separating cellulase and xylanase activities from bacteria and fungi, obtained from different sources, such as commercial extracts, crude extract and purified proteins, under denaturing conditions, by 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using polyacrylamide gels copolymerized with 1% (w/v) carboxymethylcellulose or beechwood xylan as substrates. Then, enzymes were refolded by treatment with 2.5% Triton X‐100 in an appropriate buffer for each enzymatic activity, and visualized by Coomassie blue staining for MW estimation. Finally, Congo red staining revealed bio‐active cellulase and xylanase bands after electrophoretic separation of the proteins in the preparations. This method may provide a useful additional tool for screening of particular cellulase and xylanase producers, identification and MW estimation of polypeptides that manifest these activities, and for monitoring and control of fungal and bacterial cellulase and xylanase production.
Steady‐state protein focusing in carrier ampholyte based isoelectric focusing: Part I—Analytical solution
Authors: Shim Jaesool , Yoo Kisoo , Dutta Prashanta
Published: November 2016

The determination of an analytical solution to find the steady‐state protein concentration distribution in IEF is very challenging due to the nonlinear coupling between mass and charge conservation equations. In this study, approximate analytical solutions are obtained for steady‐state protein distribution in carrier ampholyte based IEF. Similar to the work of Svensson, the final concentration profile for proteins is assumed to be Gaussian, but appropriate expressions are presented in order to obtain the effective electric field and pH gradient in the focused protein band region. Analytical results are found from iterative solutions of a system of coupled algebraic equations using only several iterations for IEF separation of three plasma proteins: albumin, cardiac troponin I, and hemoglobin. The analytical results are compared with numerically predicted results for IEF, showing excellent agreement. Analytically obtained electric field and ionic conductivity distributions show significant deviation from their nominal values, which is essential in finding the protein focusing behavior at isoelectric points. These analytical solutions can be used to determine steady‐state protein concentration distribution for experiment design of IEF considering any number of proteins and ampholytes. Moreover, the model presented herein can be used to find the conductivity, electric field, and pH field.
A multiple power level random access method for M2M communications in LTE‐A network
Authors:  Alavikia Zahra , Ghasemi Abdorasoul
Published: November 2016

Access control is an effective way to protect the radio access part of Long‐Term Evolution–Advanced (LTE‐A) network from the overload caused by a huge number of Machine‐Type Communication Devices (MTCDs). A class of access control mechanisms is the Access Class Barring (ACB), which regulates the Machine‐to‐Machine (M2M) traffic in accordance with the available Random Access (RA) resources. In this paper, we extend the single power level ACB scheme to a multiple power level method to increase the number of successfully transmitted requests in the case of overload. Our analysis is based on the capture effect in the third step of RA procedure of the LTE‐A system in which one of the transmitted requests by 2 or more co‐tagged MTCDs, MTCDs which use the same preamble in the first step, can be decoded by the evolved–Node B (eNB). We first formulate the power level selection as an optimization problem assuming the perfect capture model without considering MTCDs' energy budget. Then, to take into account MTCDs' energy consumption, the scenario is extended for the signal‐to‐interference ratio–based capture model. In addition, we investigate the advantages of the proposed multiple power level RA method on discriminating the access of MTCDs with different priorities. The numerical results show that using the optimal parameters, the RA throughput can be improved in comparison with the single power level system at the cost of slightly increasing MTCDs' energy consumption and the complexity of RA procedure.
An efficient front‐tracking method for simulation of multi‐density bubbles
Authors: Mehrabani M. T. , Nobari M. R. H. , Tryggvason G.
Published: November 2016

In this article, a masked bubble strategy is proposed using the front‐tracking method when simulation of multi‐density bubbles to reduce remarkably the computational cost from both the RAM usage and the number of computations at each time step comparing with the regular method. In the masked bubble strategy, instead of using full domain to update the properties at each time step, each bubble is considered as enclosed in the smallest box required to compute the properties based on the Peskin's function, which needs at least two full mesh sizes from both sides of the interface of each bubble in any directions. To show the performance of the masked bubble strategy in the front‐tracking method, we study the multi‐density bubbles motion in a curved duct flow induced by a pressure gradient in the absence of gravity. To solve the density Poisson equation, the parallel direct solver scheme is tested. The comparison of numerical simulations at the same conditions indicates that the parallel direct solver scheme under the masked bubble strategy considerably reduces the computational time and RAM usage relative to the regular full‐domain method, providing using simulations on finer grid resolutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Option Market Characteristics and Price Monotonicity Violations
Authors: Yang Heejin , Choi Hyung‐Suk , Ryu Doojin
Published: November 2016

This study reexamines whether option price monotonicity properties hold in a liquid market with little market friction and considers the validity of the monotonicity properties in light of option market characteristics. We confirm that option prices do not monotonically correlate with underlying spot prices and that call and put prices often increase or decrease together, indicating that the monotonicity properties are not consistent with the observed option price dynamics. The violations of monotonicity properties are associated with not only market microstructure effects, trade sizes, and option leverage but also other market characteristics such as trade direction, individual investor demand, foreign investor trading, and market volatility. Violation occurrences tend to be clustered, and their relationship with option market characteristics has not been affected by the recent market reform. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:473–498, 2017
Characterization of Archaeological Metal Remains in Micromorphological Thin Sections Using μXRF Elemental Mapping
Authors: Wouters Barbora , Makarona Christina , Nys Karin , Claeys Philippe
Published: November 2016

The soil micromorphological examination of thin sections obtained from archaeological profiles is a well‐established approach in geoarchaeology. However, it provides only limited information about the nature of metal inclusions (shape and taphonomy but not elemental composition). Laboratory micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μXRF) elemental mapping is a non‐destructive technique that can be applied directly to the resin‐impregnated sediment blocks from which thin sections are made. However, resin blocks may not always compare to the final thin sections, since some material is lost during the fabrication process, affecting the investigation of millimeter‐sized features, such as metal fragments or hammerscale, features essential for determining the type of metal working taking place at a particular site. In this study, we investigate the potential of μXRF elemental maps acquired directly from covered thin sections. Our experiment demonstrates that a wide array of elements useful for metal fragment identification (Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Sn, Au, Pb) are detectable even in coverslipped sections. This conclusion extends the potential of μXRF beyond the resin blocks from which thin sections were made, to metal fragments in the thin sections themselves, enriching the archaeological interpretation and providing information missed by traditional techniques, such as optical microscopy.
Use of big data for drug development and for public and personal health and care
Authors: Leyens Lada , Reumann Matthias , Malats Nuria , Brand Angela
Published: November 2016

The use of data analytics across the entire healthcare value chain, from drug discovery and development through epidemiology to informed clinical decision for patients or policy making for public health, has seen an explosion in the recent years. The increase in quantity and variety of data available together with the improvement of storing capabilities and analytical tools offer numerous possibilities to all stakeholders (manufacturers, regulators, payers, healthcare providers, decision makers, researchers) but most importantly, it has the potential to improve general health outcomes if we learn how to exploit it in the right way. This article looks at the different sources of data and the importance of unstructured data. It goes on to summarize current and potential future uses in drug discovery, development, and monitoring as well as in public and personal healthcare; including examples of good practice and recent developments. Finally, we discuss the main practical and ethical challenges to unravel the full potential of big data in healthcare and conclude that all stakeholders need to work together towards the common goal of making sense of the available data for the common good.
Foreign Subsidiary Exit from Africa: The Effects of Investment Purpose Diversity and Orientation
Authors: Getachew Yamlaksira S. , Beamish Paul W.
Published: November 2016

Research Summary

This study considers the exit likelihood of foreign subsidiaries operating in Africa and identifies strategic orientations that can improve their chances of survival. We find that, on average, subsidiaries entering the African market have a greater exit likelihood than those entering the OECD market. However, those subsidiaries entering the African market with diverse investment purposes or greater market‐seeking orientation are less likely to exit, as they tend to enjoy flexibility, adaptability, and learning advantages useful in mitigating economic challenges and/or tapping into strategic opportunities.

Managerial summary

This study examines how the decision to enter African markets relates to the exit probability of MNE subsidiaries. Using a longitudinal, paired‐sample design of Japanese foreign subsidiaries operating in Africa and OECD countries, we find that entry to Africa increases the hazard rate of subsidiaries, but that subsidiaries entering with more diverse investment purposes and greater market‐seeking orientation have a better survival likelihood. Consistent with the institutional‐based theory of corporate diversification, our findings introduce purpose diversity and market‐seeking orientation as potential mechanisms to mitigate the hazards of institutional voids/instability. Also, by looking at the phenomenon of within‐subsidiary diversity (of purposes) and its interaction with institutional conditions, we advance the notion ofsubsidiary scopeand its implications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming Human Capital Voids in Underdeveloped Countries
Authors: Wang Stephanie L. , Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro
Published: November 2016

Research Summary

In underdeveloped countries like those in Sub‐Saharan Africa, firms suffer from human capital voids (i.e., a prevalence of very low levels of skills among individuals). These human capital voids have a negative effect on performance improvement. However, managers can solve this negative effect by choosing organizational upgrading mechanisms that are contextually appropriate. In particular, operating joint ventures with foreign partners compensate for this negative effect, whereas internal research and development (R&D) amplifies this negative effect. Managers should also monitor and push for the reduction of country‐level human capital voids because the influences of organizational upgrading mechanisms change. In countries with more developed human capital, joint ventures have a weaker compensating effect, and R&D investments cease to amplify the negative effect.

Managerial summary

We analyze how firms in underdeveloped countries overcome human capital voids—a prevalence of very low levels of skills among individuals—to improve performance. Building on the knowledge‐based view, we argue that managers can strategically select organizational upgrading mechanisms to compensate for the negative effect of the human capital deficiencies of employees on firm performance improvement. We propose that external mechanisms (e.g., operating a joint venture with foreign partners) are better than internal mechanisms (e.g., internal research and development) because external mechanisms provide appropriate ready‐made knowledge for learning of low‐skilled labor, whereas internal mechanisms create additional learning inefficiencies. However, these influences change in countries with more developed human capital: external mechanisms have a lower compensating influence, whereas internal mechanisms become less inefficient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Dynamic Response Process to Conflicting Institutional Demands in MNC Subsidiaries: An Inductive Study in the Sub‐Saharan African E‐Commerce Sector
Authors: Holm Alison E. , Decreton Benoit , Nell Phillip C. , Klopf Patricia
Published: November 2016

Research Summary

How do subsidiary managers react when their headquarters' managers make requests that conflict with the local environment in which the subsidiary operates? Using data from a subsidiary based in Sub‐Saharan Africa and headquartered in Europe, we show that subsidiary managers need more time than usually expected to react to headquarters' demands. Subsidiary managers sometimes postpone or test headquarters' demands before deciding how to respond to them. In addition, subsidiary managers can implement headquarters' demands in ways that do not fit the expectations from the headquarters or local actors (e.g., customers and suppliers), thus resulting in additional delays. Headquarters managers must be aware that implementation can take longer than they anticipate, particularly for subsidiaries located in environments that differ substantially from the environment of the headquarters.

Managerial summary

In this article, we examine responses to the conflicting institutional demands faced by an e‐commerce subsidiary located in Sub‐Saharan Africa and headquartered in Europe. Following an inductive approach, we gathered data from a six‐month participant‐observation study and interviews with local managers. Our findings show that the subsidiary managers responded to conflicting institutional demands in a dynamic way, taking one response after the other. In some cases, the subsidiary managers responded in a way that they thought would be satisfactory, but subsequent pressures from their headquarters or their local environment pushed them to adopt a new response. In other cases, the subsidiary managers intentionally adopted responses knowing they would (have to) adopt another response later in the process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Strategic Potential of Community‐Based Hybrid Models: The Case of Global Business Services in Africa
Authors: Manning Stephan , Kannothra Chacko G. , Wissman‐Weber Nichole K.
Published: November 2016

Research Summary

Firms in latecomer economies, such as Sub‐Saharan Africa, often have limited success with traditional business models. We explain why it can be more feasible to adopt a hybrid model in such a region that combines profitability with serving local communities, e.g., by promoting inclusive employment or by targeting underserved markets. Sub‐Saharan Africa supports hybrid models and social enterprises mainly through local community resources (e.g., labor, market ideas), community organizations giving access to such resources, and experience with business‐community alliances. Hybrid models can benefit from such conditions when business clients and governments support the social mission and when firms are ready to target niche rather than mainstream markets. We illustrate the business potential of hybrid enterprises based on the case of ‘impact sourcing’ in global business services in Kenya and South Africa.

Managerial summary

As a latecomer economy, Africa faces persistent difficulties with catching up in global markets. This study examines the strategic potential of community‐based hybrid models, which balance market profitability with social impact in local communities. Focusing on the global business services industry in Kenya and South Africa and the practice of ‘impact sourcing’ (the hiring and training of disadvantaged staff servicing business clients), we find that while regular providers struggle to compete with global peers, hybrid model adopters manage to access underutilized labor pools through community organizations, and target less competitive niche client markets. We further identify key industry‐, institutional‐, and firm‐level factors that affect hybrid model adoption. Findings have important implications for research on catch‐up processes in latecomer economies, hybrid models, and global business services. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Political Connections and Business Strategy in Dynamic Environments: How Types and Destinations of Political Ties Affect Business Diversification in Closed and Open Political Economic Contexts
Authors: Mahmood Ishtiaq , Chung Chi‐Nien , Mitchell Will
Published: November 2016

Research summary

This article studies how the strategic benefits of political ties change as a closed political‐economic system opens, focusing on types and destinations of connections between business leaders and political actors. We examine how formal and informal ties (types) to party leaders, government officials, and elected legislators (destinations) facilitated diversification by business groups in Taiwan between 1986 and 1998. During this period, Taiwan underwent political and economic liberalization that led to changes in tie accountability, public scrutiny, and diffusion of power over resources. We show that formal position interlocks with dominant party or senior government officials provide greatest benefits in a closed political‐economic system, while informal social ties to a wider range of political actors, particularly legislators, provide greater benefits as the system becomes more open.

Managerial summary

As a closed political economy becomes more open, the types and destinations of political ties that generate strategic benefits for firms change. In closed markets, the greatest benefits arise from formal ties to central political leaders. In more open markets, the benefits shift to informal ties with a broader range of political actors, including legislators. We demonstrate the change in targets for strategic benefits by studying how political ties influenced business diversification in Taiwan as the country moved from closed markets in the 1980s to more open markets in the 1990s. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society
Bartleby in the NICU
Authors: Lantos John D.
Published: November 2016

The doctors were frustrated. They could see only two options. Neither was very desirable. They could stop the ventilator and let the baby die. Or they could do a tracheostomy and start preparations to discharge him on a ventilator. The parents wanted a third option. They kept hoping that their baby would get better. The doctors were pretty sure that that wasn't going to happen.
Competence in Plain English
Authors: Tomlinson Tom
Published: November 2016

Like many other bioethicists, I often give talks on clinical topics that may touch on the patient's right of autonomy with regard to medical treatment and, from there, may move to questions about whether said patient has the capacity to exercise said right. When I get to that subject, I might ask, “Is this person competent to refuse treatment?” A stunned silence falls over the room, until finally a hand shoots up. “‘Competent’ is a legal term,” I am instructed. “Don't you mean to ask whether he has the capacity to make decisions for himself?” The tone suggests that I'm being helped to make a very important distinction. But it's not a very important distinction; and it's misleading to boot.
Quercetin alters the DNA damage response in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells viaTopoII‐ and PI3K‐dependent mechanisms synergizing in leukemogenic rearrangements
Authors: Biechonski Shahar , Gourevich Dana , Rall Melanie , Aqaqe Nasma , Yassin Muhammad , Zipin‐Roitman Adi , Trakhtenbrot Luba , Olender Leonid , Raz Yael , Jaffa Ariel J. , Grisaru Dan , Wiesmuller Lisa , Elad David , Milyavsky Michael
Published: November 2016

Quercetin (Que) is an abundant flavonoid in the human diet and high‐concentration food supplement with reported pro‐ and anti‐carcinogenic activities. Topoisomerase II (TopoII) inhibition and subsequent DNA damage induction by Que was implicated in the mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) rearrangements that can induce infant and adult leukemias. This notion raised concerns regarding possible genotoxicities of Que in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, molecular targets mediating Que effects on DNA repair relevant to MLL translocations have not been defined. In this study we describe novel and potentially genotoxic Que activities in suppressing non‐homologous end joining and homologous recombination pathways downstream of MLL cleavage. Using pharmacological dissection of DNA‐PK, ATM and PI3K signalling we defined PI3K inhibition by Que with a concomitant decrease in the abundance of key DNA repair genes to be responsible for DNA repair inhibition. Evidence for the downstream TopoII‐independent mutagenic potential of Que was obtained by documenting further increased frequencies of MLL rearrangements in human HSPCs concomitantly treated with Etoposide and Que versus single treatments. Importantly, by engaging a tissue engineered placental barrier, we have established the extent of Que transplacental transfer and hence provided the evidence for Que reaching fetal HSPCs. Thus, Que exhibits genotoxic effects in human HSPCs via different mechanisms when applied continuously and at high concentrations. In light of the demonstrated Que transfer to the fetal compartment our findings are key to understanding the mechanisms underlying infant leukemia and provide molecular markers for the development of safety values.
Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?
Authors: Ferraresi Cleber , Huang Ying‐Ying , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: November 2016

Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the use of red or near‐infrared (NIR) light to stimulate, heal, and regenerate damaged tissue. Both preconditioning (light delivered to muscles before exercise) and PBM applied after exercise can increase sports performance in athletes. This review covers the effects of PBM on human muscle tissue in clinical trials in volunteers related to sports performance and in athletes. The parameters used were categorized into those with positive effects or no effects on muscle performance and recovery. Randomized controlled trials and case‐control studies in both healthy trained and untrained participants, and elite athletes were retrieved from MEDLINE up to 2016. Performance metrics included fatigue, number of repetitions, torque, hypertrophy; measures of muscle damage and recovery such as creatine kinase and delayed onset muscle soreness. Searches retrieved 533 studies, of which 46 were included in the review (n = 1045 participants). Studies used single laser probes, cluster of laser diodes, LED clusters, mixed clusters (lasers and LEDs), and flexible LED arrays. Both red, NIR, and red/NIR mixtures were used. PBM can increase muscle mass gained after training, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies. We raise the question of whether PBM should be permitted in athletic competition by international regulatory authorities.

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Tribology of flexible and sliding spinal implants: Development of experimental and numerical models
Authors: Le Cann Sophie , Chaves‐Jacob Julien , Rossi Jean‐Marie , Linares Jean‐Marc , Chabrand Patrick
Published: November 2016

New fusionless devices are being developed to get over the limits of actual spinal surgical treatment, based on arthrodesis. However, due to their recentness, no standards exist to test and validate those devices, especially concerning the wear. A new tribological first approach to the definition of an in vitro wear protocol to study wear of flexible and sliding spinal devices is presented in this article, and was applied to a new concept. A simplified synthetic spine portion (polyethylene) was developed to reproduce a simple supra‐physiological spinal flexion (10° between two vertebrae). The device studied with this protocol was tested in wet environment until 1 million cycles (Mc). We obtained an encouraging estimated wear volume of same order of magnitude compared to similar devices. An associated finite element (FE) numerical model has permitted to access contact information and study the effect of misalignment of one screw. First results could point out how to improve the design and suggest that a vertical misalignment of a screw (under or over‐screwing) has more impact than a horizontal one. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 104–111, 2018.
Influence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Conditioned Media on Proliferation of Urinary Tract Cancer Cell Lines and Their Sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Maj Malgorzata , Bajek Anna , Nalejska Ewelina , Porowinska Dorota , Kloskowski Tomasz , Gackowska Lidia , Drewa Tomasz
Published: November 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to interact with cancer cells through direct cell‐to‐cell contact and secretion of paracrine factors, although their exact influence on tumor progression in vivo remains unclear. To better understand how fetal and adult stem cells affect tumors, we analyzed viability of human renal (786‐0) and bladder (T24) carcinoma cell lines cultured in conditioned media harvested from amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells (AFSCs) and adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs). Both media reduced metabolic activity of 786‐0 cells, however, decreased viability of T24 cells was noted only after incubation with conditioned medium from ASCs. To test the hypothesis that MSCs‐secreted factors might be involved in chemoresistance acquisition, we further analyzed influence of mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (MSC‐CM) on cancer cells sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, that is considered as potential candidate agent for urinary tract cancers treatment. Significantly increased resistance to tested drug indicates that MSCs may protect cancer cells from chemotherapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1361–1368, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crataeva nurvala nanoparticles inhibit virulence factors and biofilm formation in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ali Syed Ghazanfar , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Khan Haris M. , Jalal Mohammad , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Cameotra Swaranjit Singh
Published: November 2016

Green synthesized nanoparticles have gained great attention due to their non‐toxic and non‐hazardous nature. In the present study, bark extract of the medicinal plant in Ayurveda Crataeva nurvala (Buch–Ham) (CN) was chosen for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These NPs were characterized by Ultra violet visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra Red, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The average particle size of green synthesized CN‐AgNPs was 15.2 ± 1.01 nm. Gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry analysis of methanolic bark extract involved in the formation of CN‐AgNPs revealed lupeol as a major active component. In this study, CN‐AgNPs (15 μg ml−1) efficiently suppressed the production of quorum sensing mediated virulence factors viz. pyocyanin, protease, hemolysin, and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pyocyanin production was strongly inhibited (74.64%) followed by proteolysis (47.3%) and hemolysin production (47.7%). However, the biofilm forming ability was maximally reduced up to 79.70%. Moreover, the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopic Analysis showed that CN‐AgNPs inhibit colonization of P. aeruginosa on to the surface. Furthermore, TEM analysis revealed internalization of CN‐AgNPs inside the bacterial cell. It is concluded that green synthesized AgNPs have great potential to inhibit virulence factors and biofilm forming ability of drug‐resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Incorporation of conjugated fatty acids into Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Bonafé Elton G , de Figueiredo Luana C , Martins Alessandro F , Monteiro Johny P , Junior Oscar OS , Canesin Edmilson A , Maruyama Swami Arêa , Visentainer Jesuí V
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to improve the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia meat through enriched diets with conjugated isomers of linolenic acid from tung oil. The transfer process of conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) into fish muscle tissue was evaluated by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) and easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI‐MS).

RESULTS

The results showed that conjugated fatty acids were transferred from enriched diet for muscle tissue of Nile tilapia. Conjugated linoleic acids biosynthesis from conjugated linolenic acids was also observed after 10 days. Other important fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and arachidonic (AA) acids were also identified over time; however, DHA showed the highest concentration when compared with EPA and AA compounds.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia was improved through feeding with enriched diets. The ingestion of these fish may contribute to reaching adequate levels of daily CFA consumption. Furthermore, other important substances which play an important role in human metabolism, such as EPA, DHA and AA, can also be ingested together with CFA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Brand Equity Research Using Online Customer Ratings of Spanish Hotels
Authors: Soler Ismael P. , Gémar Germán
Published: November 2016

This study sought to create and test a customer‐based brand equity model for Spanish hotels with TripAdvisor data. Using a sample of 1514 hotels and structural equation modelling with an asymptotically distribution‐free method, a valid basic, unified model was developed. The results confirm the viability of online data for brand equity research. These data reduce the cost of data capture, allowing the collection of a large amount of data and the creation of more dynamic models. The results also show that aspects of brand equity are now under the control of users, a finding that requires further research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐broadband nanophotonic beamsplitter using an anisotropic sub‐wavelength metamaterial
Authors: Halir Robert , Cheben Pavel , Luque‐González José Manuel , Sarmiento‐Merenguel Jose Darío , Schmid Jens H. , Wangüemert‐Pérez Gonzalo , Xu Dan‐Xia , Wang Shurui , Ortega‐Moñux Alejandro , Molina‐Fernández Íñigo
Published: November 2016

Nanophotonic beamsplitters are fundamental building blocks in integrated optics, with applications ranging from high speed telecom receivers to biological sensors and quantum splitters. While high‐performance multiport beamsplitters have been demonstrated in several material platforms using multimode interference couplers, their operation bandwidth remains fundamentally limited. Here, we leverage the inherent anisotropy and dispersion of a sub‐wavelength structured photonic metamaterial to demonstrate ultra‐broadband integrated beamsplitting. Our device, which is three times more compact than its conventional counterpart, can achieve high‐performance operation over an unprecedented 500 nm design bandwidth exceeding all optical communication bands combined, and making it one of the most broadband silicon photonics components reported to date. Our demonstration paves the way toward nanophotonic waveguide components with ultra‐broadband operation for next generation integrated photonic systems.

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Management of renal failure in end‐stage liver disease: A critical appraisal
Authors: Cheng Xingxing S. , Tan Jane C. , Kim W. Ray
Published: November 2016

Renal failure is a late consequence of end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). Even with liver transplantation, pretransplant renal impairment remains a strong predictor of posttransplant mortality. This review seeks to summarize and critically appraise common therapies used in this setting, including pharmacologic agents, procedures (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, renal replacement therapy), and simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation. More experimental extracorporal modalities, eg, albumin dialysis or bioartificial livers, will not be discussed. A brief discussion on the definition and pathophysiologic underpinnings of renal failure in ESLD will be held at the beginning to lay the groundwork for the main section. Liver Transplantation 22 1710–1719 2016 AASLD.
Longterm follow‐up of small pancreatic cystic lesions in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Vidhyarkorn Sirachat , Siripongsakun Surachate , Yu Jennifer , Sayre James , Agopian Vatche G. , Durazo Francisco , Lu David S.
Published: November 2016

Incidental small pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are often found on preoperative imaging in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Although these are considered benign or of low malignant potential, the influence of immunosuppression after OLT may be of concern. The aim of this study was to observe the longterm outcome of these small PCLs in post‐OLT patients. An institutional OLT database of 1778 consecutive OLT patients from January 2000 to December 2010 was analyzed. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or endoscopic ultrasound at the time of OLT and all subsequent imaging, cytology, fluid analysis of PCLs, and patient status were evaluated. A total of 70 patients with 182 PCLs, of benign or low malignant potential, were identified with a mean follow‐up time of 64 months. At initial diagnosis of PCLs in 48 patients, 7 branch duct–type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (B‐IPMNs), 1 serous cystadenoma (SCA), and 40 nonspecific benign cysts were identified. Final diagnosis at the end of the follow‐up revealed 16 B‐IPMNs, 3 SCAs, and a mixed acinar‐neuroendocrine carcinoma, in which the latter developed 9 years after initial diagnosis of B‐IPMN. During the follow‐up time, average increase in size and number of PCLs were 4.5 mm and 1.4, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The majority of incidental PCLs in OLT patients showed an indolent behavior despite immunosuppression. Risk of malignancy development was very low and comparable with normal population. Liver Transplantation 23 324–329 2017 AASLD.