bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maturity2, a novel regulator of flowering time in Sorghum bicolor, increases expression of SbPRR37 and SbCO in long days delaying flowering
Authors: Casto Anna L. , Mattison Ashley J. , Olson Sara N. , Thakran Manish , Rooney William L. , Mullet John E.
Published: January 2019

Sorghum bicolor is a drought-resilient facultative short-day C4 grass that is grown for grain, forage, and biomass. Adaptation of sorghum for grain production in temperate regions resulted in the selection of mutations in Maturity loci (Ma1 – Ma6) that reduced photoperiod sensitivity and resulted in earlier flowering in long days. Prior studies identified the genes associated with Ma1 (PRR37), Ma3 (PHYB), Ma5 (PHYC) and Ma6 (GHD7) and characterized their role in the flowering time regulatory pathway. The current study focused on understanding the function and identity of Ma2. Ma2 delayed flowering in long days by selectively enhancing the expression of SbPRR37 (Ma1) and SbCO, genes that co-repress the expression of SbCN12, a source of florigen. Genetic analysis identified epistatic interactions between Ma2 and Ma4 and located QTL corresponding to Ma2 on SBI02 and Ma4 on SBI10. Positional cloning and whole genome sequencing identified a candidate gene for Ma2, Sobic.002G302700, which encodes a SET and MYND (SYMD) domain lysine methyltransferase. Nine sorghum genotypes previously identified as recessive for Ma2 contained the mutated version of Sobic.002G302700 present in 80M (ma2).
HSB-1 inhibition and HSF-1 overexpression trigger overlapping transcriptional changes to promote longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sural Surojit , Lu Tzu-Chiao , Jung Seung Ah , Hsu Ao-Lin
Published: January 2019

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) is a component of the heat shock response pathway that is induced by cytoplasmic proteotoxic stress. In addition to its role in stress response, HSF-1 also acts as a key regulator of the rate of organismal aging. Overexpression of HSF-1 promotes longevity in C. elegans via mechanisms that remain less understood. Moreover, genetic ablation of a negative regulator of HSF-1, termed as heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSB-1), results in hsf-1-dependent life span extension in animals. Here we show that in the absence of HSB-1, HSF-1 acquires increased DNA binding activity to its genomic target sequence. Using RNA-Seq to compare the gene expression profiles of the hsb-1 mutant and hsf-1 overexpression strains, we found that while more than 1,500 transcripts show ≥1.5-fold upregulation due to HSF-1 overexpression, HSB-1 inhibition alters the expression of less than 500 genes in C. elegans. Roughly half of the differentially regulated transcripts in the hsb-1 mutant have altered expression also in hsf-1 overexpressing animals, with a strongly correlated fold-expression pattern between the two strains. In addition, genes that are upregulated via both HSB-1 inhibition and HSF-1 overexpression include numerous DAF-16 targets that have known functions in longevity regulation. This study identifies how HSB-1 acts as a specific regulator of the transactivation potential of HSF-1 in non-stressed conditions, thus providing a detailed understanding of the role of HSB-1/HSF-1 signaling pathway in transcriptional regulation and longevity in C. elegans.
A new disordered langbeinite-type compound, K2Tb1.5Ta0.5P3O12, and Eu3+-doped multicolour light-emitting properties
Authors: Xue Ya-Li , Zhao Dan , Zhang Shi-Rui , Li Ya-Nan , Fan Yan-Ping
Published: January 2019

For the first time, a new langbeinite-type phosphate, namely potassium terbium tantalum tris(phosphate), K2Tb1.5Ta0.5(PO4)3, has been prepared successfully using a high-temperature flux method and has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results show that its structure can be described as a three-dimensional open framework of [Tb1.5Ta0.5(PO4)3]∞ interconnected by K+ ions. The TbIII and TaV cations in the structure are disordered and occupy the same crystallographic sites. The IR spectrum, the UV–Vis spectrum, the morphology and the Eu3+-activated photoluminescence spectroscopic properties were studied. A series of Eu3+-doped phosphors, i.e. K2Tb1.5–x
Ta0.5(PO4)3:xEu3+ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10), were prepared via a solid-state reaction and the photoluminescence properties were studied. The results show that under near-UV excitation, the luminescence colour can be tuned from green through yellow to red by simply adjusting the Eu3+ concentration from 0 to 0.1, because of the efficient Tb3+→Eu3+ energy-transfer mechanism.
A fuzzy logic apparel size decision methodology for online marketing
Authors: Nasibov Efendi , Demir Murat , Vahaplar Alper
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Beside the development of technology and accessibility, ease of use, ability to reach various products and compare many products at the same time make online shopping even more popular. Despite the great advantages provided by online shopping for either consumers or retailers, there are certain issues that must be solved to improve online shopping advantages. Finding right size is one of the biggest barriers against apparel online retailing. Since the use of apparels is directly related with fitting, choosing right size is becoming more critical for retailers and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the solution of the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, the specific size measurements of male shirts (collar, shoulder, chest, waist, arm length in cm) from four different sizes (small, medium, large, x-large) and from eight different brands were collected and stored in a database. Totally, weight, height and body measurements (collar, shoulder, chest, waist and arm length in cm) of 80 male candidates, between the ages of 18 and 35, were measured individually. These data were then used for experiments.

Findings

Any product with known measurements can be compared with users’ body measurement based on fuzzy logic rule and the best-fitted size can be selected for users. Similarly, using the proposed web design, users are able to see desired products on users with similar body type.

Originality/value

In this study, a new mathematical method based on fuzzy relations for apparel size finder is proposed. Beside, this method can group users based on body measurements in order to find people with similar size.
Dimensions of organisational innovativeness and company financial performance in the biotechnology sector
Authors: Jaakson Krista , Aljaste Hannele-Marianne , Uusi-Kakkuri Piia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The relationship between organisational innovativeness (OI) and company performance has been studied extensively, and the associations found have mostly been positive. However, as OI is a multidimensional concept, more nuanced research is needed to identify which dimensions of innovativeness companies should focus on. The purpose of this paper is to longitudinally investigate the links between dimensions of OI and company financial performance, based on a sample of Finnish and Estonian pharmaceutical biotechnology companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews inquiring about OI were conducted in 26 biotechnology companies and then their performance was measured over three subsequent years using objective financial data. Due to limited sample size, qualitative comparative analysis is employed in addition to non-parametric statistical tests.

Findings

Overall, OI did not decisively influence financial performance in the studied sector. There were, however, dimensions related to human resource policies that appeared to have more potential to positively impact financial performance, whereas the strategic dimension was actually aversive to certain performance indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The study limitations are a small sample, possible managerial bias in the assessment of OI, and focus on financial measures only.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates that OI is a multidimensional construct and not all dimensions play an equal role in financial performance. Innovation-supportive human resource policies and strategic flexibility contributes to financial performance in the pharmaceutical biotechnology sector.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is the analysis of a specific sector with a longitudinal approach by bridging quantitative and qualitative approach.
Examining the impact of a university mentorship program on student outcomes
Authors: Hamilton Leah K. , Boman Jennifer , Rubin Harris , Sahota Balreen K.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes of a formal university mentorship program that paired junior and senior (third and fourth year) undergraduate student mentees with mentors from industry. Specifically, the researchers examined the effects of mentorship on mentees’ psychological sense of community at the university, and job search self-efficacy (confidence).

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used a mixed-methods design that incorporated survey data and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. Where relevant, mentees were compared to a control group of students who did not participate in the mentorship program.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the mentees accrued several benefits from participating in the mentorship program. For mentees (but not the control group), job search self-efficacy increased over time as a result of participating in the program. Mentees valued receiving practical career-related support such as opportunities for networking, resume development and job interviewing skills. Mentees also gained a more realistic view about the workplace and their potential career options, and received important psychosocial support from their mentor.

Originality/value

Results suggest that junior and senior undergraduate student mentees gained professional and career-related benefits including increased job search self-efficacy from participation in a mentorship program that paired them with mentors from industry. In addition, the qualitative results indicate that mentees reported psychosocial benefits including an increased sense of connection to the university. Altogether, results indicate that undergraduate students experience positive outcomes from participating in mentorship programs designed to prepare them for the transition from university to the workplace.
E-Governance in educational settings
Authors: Sideri Maria , Kitsiou Angeliki , Filippopoulou Ariadni , Kalloniatis Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Even though social media are nowadays used in the frame of public governance to ensure citizens’ major participation, enhance e-dialogue and e-democracy consequently, this utilization has not been expanded yet in the field of education, whose key role focuses on the cultivation of active citizenship, as it is promoted through participation. The purpose of this paper is to examine leadership’s views of Greek Secondary and Tertiary Education on the potential use of social media for participatory decision-making processes in order to identify if the e-participation model could be implemented in the Greek education field as in other public domains.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research was elaborated, employing a survey design of quantitative method in order to explore Greek educational organizations leadership’s perspectives toward social media usage in participatory decision-making processes.

Findings

The research reveals Greek educational leadership’s positive view on the potential effects of social media usage in participatory decision-making processes and highlights anticipated benefits as well as problems to be faced, indicating the foundation for Greek leaders to implement social media in their leadership practices and exploit their affordances as in e-governance shifts.

Practical implications

Bringing the concept of e-participation and crowd sourcing model – key features in e-governance initiatives through social media usage – in education field, Greek educational leadership is informed to consider social media utilization more methodically in the context of participatory decision-making processes, updating simultaneously existing leadership practices.

Originality/value

Up till now, social media usage in participatory decision-making processes in educational settings has hardly received attention.
An intervariable approach to customer satisfaction and loyalty in the internet service market
Authors: Akroush Mamoun N. , Mahadin Bushra K.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a multidimensional model of customer perceived value (CPV), customer satisfaction (CS) and loyalty from internet subscribers’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,297 out of 2,000 online surveys were valid for the analysis. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the research constructs’ unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships of the research model.

Findings

CPV positively affects functional and technical satisfaction as well as cognitive loyalty. Functional satisfaction positively affects technical satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. Attitudinal loyalty positively affects cognitive and behavioral loyalty, and the latter positively affects cognitive loyalty. In total, 53 percent of variation in cognitive loyalty was caused by behavioral, attitudinal loyalty and perceived value path.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could investigate other outcomes of CS dimensions, such as customer lifetime value, customer retention, profitability, return on investment and market share, and their effects on customer loyalty (CL). Future research can also examine the effect of other dimensions of perceived customer value on CS and loyalty dimensions simultaneously. Other future research areas are also outlined.

Practical implications

CPV acts as a cornerstone to developing a successful multidimensional program of CL through functional and technical satisfactions. Marketing directors need to focus on building CL schemes and strategies that should take into consideration the long-term and short-term loyalty.

Originality/value

Theoretically, using an intervariable perspective, this paper has responded to important calls for conducting research on the chain of perceived value, CS and loyalty chain. Practically, this paper is the first empirical research devoted to developing an intervariable approach to the chain of perceived value, CS and loyalty in the internet service market.
A model for evaluating the paradoxical impacts of organizational members’ social use of SNSs on destructive voice
Authors: Tabarsa Gholam ali , Olfat Mohammad , Shokouhyar Sajjad
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of organizational members’ social use of social networking sites (SNSs) on employees’ destructive voice directly and considering the mediating role of job satisfaction and affective commitment to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 240 employees of Asia-tech Company have participated in this study. To test the hypotheses, the researchers have used the partial least squares (PLS) method with the help of smart PLS software (version 2.0).

Findings

The results showed that organizational members’ social use of SNSs has a positive effect on destructive voice directly and considering job satisfaction as a mediator. However, social use of SNSs in the workplace considering the mediating role of affective commitment has a negative effect on destructive voice.

Practical/implications

The results of the study edify managers on how social use of SNSs in the workplace has paradoxical effects on destructive voice directly and regarding affective commitment as a mediating variable. Thus, the main contribution of this study is the fact that although social use of SNSs has many advantages such as promotion of job satisfaction and affective commitment in the workplace, it might have some detrimental effect such as reinforcement of destructive voice.

Originality/value

The model presented in this study is totally unique. Moreover, the investigations showed that there is no documented study regarding the examination of the effect of social use of SNSs on destructive voice directly and considering the mediating role of job satisfaction and affective commitment.
Trends in turnaround maintenance planning: literature review
Authors: Al-Turki Umar , Duffuaa Salih , Bendaya M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Turnaround maintenance (TAM) is a planned stoppage of production for conducting a comprehensive maintenance of equipment or plant with the purpose of improving plant availability and performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate trends in the operation and management of TAM, as reported in the literature, and identify gaps, in the context of a system approach that views a plant as part of a network of a supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review is based on over 80 subject-relevant papers and uses content analysis. The literature subjects are classified into several managerial areas that include organization, planning, scope and risk analysis, execution, performance measurement and learning. The gap in the literature is identified in light of the proposed system view for TAM.

Findings

The system view of TAM opens new opportunities for new research areas for improving the operation and management of TAM. These areas include optimizing TAM scheduling and developing methods for managing risks along the entire business supply chain. In addition, new approaches for collaboration, sharing knowledge, best practices and expertise within the supply chain become necessary for effective TAM planning and control.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the literature and provides a new classification of TAM. It adopts the system view for TAM that has brought new insights in the operation and management of TAM. New trends for research in the area of TAM are identified.
Environmental considerations in the purchase decisions of Ghanaian consumers
Authors: Opoku Robert , Famiyeh Samuel , Kwarteng Amoako
Published: January 2019

Purpose

By relying on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this paper aims to understand the relative importance of attitude, subjective norm (SN), behavioral control, self-identity (SI) and past behavior in the prediction of green purchase behavior among Ghanaian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 306 graduate students were surveyed on the environmental considerations in their purchase behavior using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that, in general, attitude and SI are more important than SN in influencing green purchase intention in a collectivistic country, such as Ghana. Yet, most respondents were neutral in their responses to questions as to whether they are green consumers and/or if they consider themselves to be concerned about environmental issues.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to study environmental consideration in purchase decisions in Ghana, a resource-rich, emerging and one of the strongest economies in sub-Saharan Africa.
Differences in the response to periarterial nerve stimulation or exogenous noradrenaline infusion in the mesenteric vascular bed with the intestinal tract harvested from commonly used rat models of hypertension
Authors: Gamoh Shuji , Shiba Tatsuo , DiPette Donald J. , Yamamoto Ryuichi
Published: January 2019

Many hypertensive animal models have been developed and used to elucidate the pathophysiology of hypertension and to develop antihypertensive drugs. Among them, the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐treated and high salt intake rat (DOCA‐salt), and high sodium‐fed Dahl salt‐sensitive rat (HS) models are commonly used. Multiple studies have been conducted, however, elevation in blood pressure in these models due to the reactivity of adrenergic vasoconstriction has not been well characterized in a centralized experiment. In this study, the pressor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation (PNS) or exogenous noradrenaline (NA) infusion were measured in the isolated mesenteric vascular bed with the intestinal tract to investigate the reactivity of mesenteric adrenergic vasoconstriction. The systemic arterial blood pressure of the hypertensive rat models was uniformly elevated compared with their respective controls. However, the changes in perfusion pressure in the mesenteric vascular bed in response to PNS and exogenous NA infusion were quite different depending on the model. The pressor responses to PNS in SHRs and Dahl S HS rats were significantly higher, and those in DOCA‐salt rats were significantly lower than those in the controls. The pressor responses to exogenous NA infusion in SHRs were significantly higher, and those in Dahl S HS rats were significantly lower than those in their respective controls. No difference was observed in the pressor responses to the exogenous NA between the DOCA‐salt and sham groups. These results demonstrate that the reactivity of adrenergic vasoconstriction is different for each type of experimental hypertensive model rat.
Impact of rainfall on the offspring PHA‐response and body mass in the Eurasian blue tit
Authors: Grzędzicka Emilia
Published: January 2019

Animals are exposed to the more frequent stressful weather events that may impact parental decisions and their investment in offspring. This study examines whether and how heavy rainfall influences the birds' incubation behavior, hatching date, food volume brought to the nests, the offspring's immune response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and their body mass during the post‐hatch period. The research was conducted on the Eurasian blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus, living in a nest‐box area in the Niepołomice Forest (near Kraków, S Poland) during 3 years: 2009, 2010 and 2011. Rainfall did not directly affect the incubation period, but nestlings from eggs that incubated longer had a higher mass. Later hatching date was beneficial for the chicks' body mass, while earlier hatched chicks responded more efficiently to the PHA antigen. Although the intensity of rainfall did not directly affect the volume of food brought by adults to the chicks, its greater amount was beneficial for both indicators of their condition. With a more intensive rainfall, the weaker chicks responded to the PHA antigen, but achieved greater body mass. In the next years, it can be expected that heavy rainfall will become an increasingly important environmental cue, based on which birds will adapt their reproduction, and which will affect population trends, as the immune response weakened during the intensive rainfall is a survival indicator.
Leaf and stem traits variation of Stellera chamaejasme Linn. with slope aspect in alpine steppe
Authors: Li Lili , Zhang Tingjun , Zhao Chengzhang , Li Yu , Li Yuxing , Mu Cuicui
Published: January 2019

Stellera chamaejasme L. is one of the dominant poisonous plant species and has caused considerable damage to the stability of grassland ecosystems and changed the structure and function of the grassland community, leading to grassland degeneration. To examine the response of morphological features of S. chamaejasme L. populations to environmental variations, leaf and stem traits were investigated in alpine grassland along the northern slope of the Qilian Mountains in northwestern China. Additionally, the relationships between stem length and stem number and between stem length and leaf number were also determined. The environmental gradients included south‐facing and north‐facing slopes. The results showed that the S. chamaejasme L. population had greater leaf area, leaf number, stem number and stem length on north‐facing slopes than those in the population on south‐facing slopes. Significant allometric relationships were found between leaf number and stem length and between stem number and stem length. The two standardized major axis regression (SMA) slopes deviated significantly from 1, with the variation of the environmental gradients. The results showed that the two characters of the plant in SMA slopes were both steeper on the south‐facing slopes than those on the north‐facing slopes. The definition excluded that at a given stem length, ratios of stem number to stem length and leaf number to stem length were larger on south‐facing slopes ecologically than those on north‐facing slopes. These results demonstrated that S. chamaejasme L. responded to the slope aspect variations via changing leaf and stem architecture, most likely due to the more significant heat exchange of leaves and greater transporting requirements of stems on south‐facing slopes than those on north‐facing slopes.
Tropical phenology: Recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Sakai Shoko , Kitajima Kaoru
Published: January 2019

Tropical phenology is characterized by its high diversity. Lacking a cool season that restricts growth, phenological cycles vary from species that reproduce multiple times per year to those that reproduce only once in several years even within a community. As such, environmental cues of phenological events are more diverse among species and communities of tropical organisms compared with those in higher latitudes. Community‐wide phenological patterns differ among regions that differ in climate patterns and biogeographical backgrounds. These patterns are increasingly revealed as long‐term phenology data accumulate especially for tree species at long‐term monitoring sites. Advances in analytical methods applied to sufficiently long‐term data sets generate novel insights. Long‐term data are also critically important for understanding how climate changes affect phenological patterns and consequently species interactions and biological diversity. Particularly important is to understand how changes in drought regimes, both in terms of frequency and intensity, may affect plant phenology, and consequently have cascading impacts on tropical forest communities. To effectively link phenology studies and management of tropical forests and their ecosystem services in future studies, we should not only continue observation at existing sites, but also expand monitoring sites across regions, including ecosystems modified by human activities.
Longitudinal and microhabitat distributions of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles and the environmental characteristics in the upper Yura River, Kyoto, Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru
Published: January 2019

Quantitative data on the distribution of aquatic vertebrate species along environmental gradients at multiple spatial scales are useful for assessing habitat quality, understanding habitat selection, and predicting the population structures of focal species. In addition, comparable datasets for multiple species enable the examination of the interspecific differences in habitat niches and their differentiation or aggregation patterns in a stream assemblage, as well as the theory of species coexistence. The distributions of aquatic vertebrates and environmental characteristics on longitudinal and microhabitat scales were investigated at 21 sites in a temperate stream, the Yura River, Kyoto, Japan, during the day and at night from August to September 2009. The sites were located from the headwaters to about 40 km downstream along the main channel of the river. Snorkeling observations were conducted using the line‐transect method following a standardized procedure at each sampling site with a detailed description of the spatial structure of aquatic vertebrate habitats. The microhabitat environments (water depth, current velocity, substratum characteristics, and presence/absence of vegetation cover) could be determined for all observed individuals. A total of 11,724 individuals belonging to 28 fish, 2 amphibian, and 1 reptile species were observed. The data can be used to examine the spatial patterns of focal aquatic vertebrate species and assemblages, and interspecific differences in habitat use among sympatric aquatic vertebrate species at multiple spatial scales.
Does Board Ethnic Diversity Impact Board Monitoring Outcomes?
Authors: Guest Paul M.
Published: January 2019

This study investigates whether board ethnic diversity is associated with stronger board monitoring outcomes. We explore a range of outcomes – CEO compensation, accounting misstatements, CEO turnover–performance sensitivity and acquisition performance – but find no evidence to support this. We also find no evidence that board ethnic diversity improves overall firm performance, even for those firms with higher agency problems. Our results are robust across different methodologies and have important practical implications, by informing the current public policy debate on board ethnic diversity.
Do Compensation Consultants Drive Up CEO Pay? Evidence from UK Public Firms
Authors: Conyon Martin J. , Hass Lars Helge , Peck Simon I. , Sadler Graham V. , Zhang Zhifang
Published: January 2019

Do compensation consultants drive up CEO pay for the benefit of managers, or do they design pay packages to benefit firm owners? Using a large sample of UK firms from the FTSE All‐Share Index over the 2003–2011 period, we show a positive correlation between the presence of compensation consultants and CEO pay. Importantly, isolating this effect is somewhat dependent on the endogenous selection of consultants and the statistical modelling strategy deployed. We find evidence that compensation consultants improve CEO compensation design when their expertise is of greater importance (e.g. during the post‐financial crisis period, or for firms that have particularly weak compensation policies). In addition, our findings show that compensation consultants increase CEO pay–performance sensitivity. The balance of evidence supports optimal contracting theory more than managerial power theory, but the authors caution the limits to this verification. We are careful to note that the more compelling evidence for the positive effect of pay consultants on CEOs is based on advanced methods (such as propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences), and that more standard approaches (such as OLS and fixed effects) are unlikely to reveal the same level of causality of consultants on CEO pay.
Introduction to Special Issue on Sustainable Corporate Governance
Authors: Goergen Marc , Tonks Ian
Published: January 2019

Papers in this special issue focus on sustainable corporate governance measures in the aftermath of the financial crisis, and a background environment of increased scepticism over executive pay and corporate behaviour more generally. The authors provide an overview of recent corporate governance reforms, including ‘say‐on‐pay’ and gender‐pay‐gap transparency, and explain how the research papers in the special issue contribute to understanding of corporate governance research and practice in the areas of boards of directors, corporate governance reform and corporate culture and risk‐taking.
The Internalization Theory of the Multinational Enterprise: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Buckley Peter J. , Casson Mark
Published: January 2019

This paper presents an agenda for extending the theory of international business in order to explain a wider range of phenomena. This, however, has to be done with due attention to the requirements of good social science theory. Relevant criteria are set out, together with a list of issues that new theory must address. Theory needs to focus on industries as well as firms, and make greater use of formal multi‐actor models. ‘Generalizing from the particular’ should be avoided; theory needs to be derived from general social science principles that have proved successful in cognate disciplines.
Urban Informality and the State: Geographical Translations and Conceptual Alliances
Authors: Haid Christian G. , Hilbrandt Hanna
Published: January 2019

Understandings of informality commonly derive from research undertaken in states perceived as lacking the capacity to regulate the practices of their populations. This Interventions forum aims to expand the geographical parameters of empirical research on urban informality. A more global approach, we argue, also necessitates questioning assumptions that undergird this concept—in particular the underlying conception of the state. In this vein, this collection of papers aims to rethink theories of the state through the lens of informality, and vice versa, to inform and refine the concept of informality through a more thorough understanding of states. In so doing, the contributions engage with concepts that have been central both to theories of the state and to the study of informality, namely governance, agency, legitimacy, sovereignty and legality. Following this introduction setting out our theoretical approach, the Interventions forum unites five empirical studies that discuss the nexus of informality and states in contexts that have been researched less extensively from this perspective, each tackling one of the above‐mentioned concepts. Based on these different entry points, the papers provide novel angles on a state‐theoretical understanding of informality. A concluding essay brings these approaches together, reflecting on the possibilities of translating concepts to different sites.
Dismantled Spatial Fixes in the Aftermath of Recession: Capital Switching and Labour Underutilization in the Greek Capital Metropolitan Region
Authors: Gourzis Konstantinos , Gialis Stelios
Published: January 2019

The article offers a fresh, empirically grounded look at the spatialities of crisis‐triggered employment forms—a largely overlooked issue in contemporary critical geography literature. Specifically, it discusses the interconnection between investment flows from manufacturing to the built environment (capital switching) and underemployment in urban metropolitan regions to substantiate its impact on emerging spatial fixities. The article, which is based on an empirical analysis informed by a radical political economy, investigates changing fixed capital formations in Greece over an extended period prior to and during the recession, from 1995 to 2012. It traces the evolution of part‐time waged work in the capital metropolitan region of Attica (Athens) vis‐à‐vis the rest of the country's regional labour markets, focusing on the polarized 2005–2012 period and the demise of the construction industry. The article highlights that ‘disrupted’ capital switching that occurred in Greece, closely associated with recalibrated sectoral priorities and institutional interventions, resulted in the uneven sprawling of underemployment. Our findings offer insight into how the dismantling of spatial fixes within core metropolitan regions of the southern European Union (and beyond) are connected to labour surplus and successive slumps in manufacturing and construction. The article closes by calling for new theorizations of contemporary urban regional unevenness and its spatiotemporal fixities, which account for the role of changes in labour turnover time.
Recent advances in the management of Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Misra Durga Prasanna , Wakhlu Anupam , Agarwal Vikas , Danda Debashish
Published: January 2019

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a challenging large vessel vasculitis to treat. Distinguishing disease activity from vascular damage is difficult, often relying on clinician judgement aided by composite clinical disease activity indices with angiographic evidence of vessel wall thickening or vessel wall hypermetabolism demonstrable on positron emission tomography computerized tomography (PET CT). Glucocorticoids form the mainstay of remission induction. While other conventional disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) or biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) are commonly used, evidence supporting their usefulness is sparse and generally of low quality. The only two randomized controlled trials (RCT) of a DMARD in TA failed to show efficacy of abatacept in reducing relapses of TA, however, tocilizumab showed a trend towards reduction in time to relapses. Of the cDMARDs, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), leflunomide and cyclophosphamide have shown clinical efficacy in case series, with some evidence that methotrexate, azathioprine and MMF might retard angiographic progression. Among bDMARDs, anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha agents and tocilizumab may be useful in patients refractory to cDMARDs with retardation of angiographic progression, based on evidence derived from mostly retrospective case series, whereas the role of rituximab and ustekinumab needs further elucidation. Revascularization, either surgical or endovascular, is the treatment of choice to relieve critical, symptomatic stenoses and are best undertaken during inactive disease. Emerging evidence suggests that patients with TA also have increased cardiovascular risk and this requires appropriate management. Large studies involving multiple centers are the need of the hour to appropriately evaluate utility of currently available immunosuppressive therapy in TA.
Takayasu arteritis: A distinct syndrome of large vessel vasculitis: A view point by late Professor Paul Bacon
Authors: Misra Ramnath
Published: January 2019

Takayasu arteritis (TA), despite being classified as a large vessel vasculitis, has distinct genetic, pathological and clinical features as compared to giant cell arteritis. It is a rare disease seen more commonly in Asian countries. The challenge lies in assessing the degree of inflammation in a narrowed vessel and immunosuppressive therapy improves inflammatory features but is unable to open up an occluded vessel. It may have a positive effect on retarding further occlusion. Like antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis, TA needs a collaborative effort to do randomized controlled therapy to provide benefit to patients.
Imaging in small and medium vessel vasculitis
Authors: Singhal Manphool , Gupta Pankaj , Sharma Aman
Published: January 2019

Vasculitis includes a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the vessel wall and classified based on the diameter of the predominantly involved vessels. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Henoch‐Schonlein purpura are the important entities in the small vessel vasculitis group, while polyarteritis nodosa and Kawasaki disease represent the medium vessel vasculitis group. The clinical manifestations may be non‐specific and there may be considerable overlap with the other disorders. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis as well as the management of patients with small and medium vessel vasculitis. Imaging allows direct evaluation of the arteries in medium vessel vasculitis. However, the involved vessels in small vessel vasculitis are smaller than the resolution of the current imaging techniques. Hence, only the end organ changes secondary to involvement of small vessels are examined. In this review we discuss the role of current imaging modalities (predominantly computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) as well as individual disease entities in the groups of small and medium vessel vasculitis.
The Importance of Intimate Partner Violence in Within‐Relationship and Between‐Person Risk for Alcohol‐Exposed Pregnancy
Authors: Deutsch Arielle R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Preconceptual prevention programs geared toward reducing alcohol‐exposed pregnancy (AEP) typically emphasize behavioral change of alcohol use and birth control exclusively, but rarely consider other important AEP predictors that may affect behavioral change. Intimate partner violence (IPV) substantially relates to AEP and to AEP predictors; however, few studies have tested if IPV is a unique indicator of prospective AEP risk, as both a main effect and a contextual influence on alcohol use or birth control.

Methods

Using Waves II and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, multilevel logistic regression models were estimated, in which IPV and birth control (both within‐person and between‐person) and adolescent alcohol use (between‐person only) were examined as unique predictors of AEP compared to both nonpregnancy and non‐AEP (nAEP) outcomes over up to 5 sexual relationships. Interactions between within‐person and between‐person IPV, and birth control or alcohol use were also tested.

Results

Within‐person and between‐person IPV significantly related to higher odds of AEP compared to nonpregnancy and nAEP. Adolescent alcohol use had similarly increased odds for AEP when compared to nonpregnancy or nAEP outcomes. Only between‐person birth control use related to higher odds for AEP compared to nonpregnancy and nAEP. Between‐person IPV also moderated adolescent alcohol use on odds of AEP, such that infrequent adolescent drinkers had higher odds of AEP compared to nonpregnancy or nAEP if they experienced IPV over their relationships.

Conclusions

IPV is a substantial predictor for AEP as both a direct influence within relationships (within‐person) and between individuals (between‐person). Intervention and prevention programs focused on reducing AEP may benefit from including IPV‐specific curricula.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Human Muscle in Chronic Alcoholism Detected by Using 31P‐Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Near‐Infrared Light Absorption
Authors: Haida Munetaka , Yazaki Koji , Kurita Daisaku , Shinohara Yukito
Published: January 2019

We previously examined the effect of alcohol on muscle energy metabolism in chronic alcoholics by using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Measurements of intracellular pH and PCr index [PCr/(PCr + Pi)] during resting, hand grasping, and recovery in the left flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of alcoholics with neurological signs showed a marked decrease and delayed recovery of pH, but rapid recovery of PCr index indicating that the muscle produces lactate during and after exercise to maintain the ATP level. To clarify the reason for this preference for anaerobic metabolism, we conducted simultaneous measurements of the muscle blood supply during and after exercise by using the near‐infrared light method and energy metabolism by using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In alcoholics with neurological signs, we observed a significant increase of oxyhemoglobin after exercise with a slight increase of total hemoglobin. In healthy volunteers and chronic alcoholics without neurological signs, such an overshoot of oxyhemoglobin was not observed. We conclude that chronic alcoholics with neurological signs have an abnormality of aerobic metabolism owing to muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.
Relationship between Platelet Membrane Lipid Compositions and Platelet Aggregability in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Watanabe Mitsuyuki , Shiraishi Koichi , Itakura Masaru , Matsuzaki Shohei
Published: January 2019

We studied the relationship between changes in platelet aggregability and platelet membrane lipid in alcoholic liver disease. The maximal rate of ADP‐induced platelet aggregation was significantly increased in the alcoholic liver disease group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the maximal rate of collagen‐induced platelet aggregation. However, a lag time required for the start of platelet aggregation was significantly shortened in the alcoholic liver disease group, indicating increased platelet aggregability. Results of the platelet aggregation test suggested that alcoholic liver disease patients have their platelet aggregation affected by the abnormality of prostaglandin metabolism. The alcoholic liver disease group was further divided into two subgroups: the hyperaggregation group and the unchanged aggregation group. Both free cholesterol and phospholipid in the platelet membrane were significantly increased in the alcoholic liver disease group. In phospholipid compositions, phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidylinositol were significantly decreased in the alcoholic liver disease group, whereas a significant decrease in phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidylinositol was observed in the hyperaggregation group of alcoholic liver disease. Analysis of fatty acid compositions of platelet membrane showed significantly decreased palmitic acid in the alcoholic group. There was no significant change of arachidonic acid, which directly affects platelet aggregation. Eicosapentaenoic acid significantly decreased in the alcoholic liver disease group, but there was no difference in docosahexaenoic acid. Meanwhile, the thrombogenic index, calculated from the fatty acids of platelet membrane, showed no difference between the alcoholic liver disease group and the control group. However, the thrombogenic index was significantly increased in the hyperaggregation group than in the unchanged aggregation group. These data suggested that platelet aggregation is affected by not only a change in arachidonic acid, but also changes in fatty acid compositions of the platelet membrane.
Depression and neuroticism decrease among women but not among men between 1976 and 2016 in Swedish septuagenarians
Authors: Rydberg Sterner T. , Gudmundsson P. , Sigström R. , Ahlner F. , Seidu N. , Zettergren A. , Kern S. , Östling S. , Waern M. , Skoog I.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

We evaluated birth‐cohort differences in depressive symptom burden, prevalence of depression diagnoses, and neuroticism, among Swedish 70‐year‐olds examined between 1976 and 2016.

Methods

We used a repeated cross‐sectional design examining four representative population samples of Swedish 70‐year‐olds (total n = 2279) with identical methods in 1976–77 (n = 392), 1992–93 (n = 226), 2000–02 (n = 487), and 2014–16 (n = 1166). Depressive symptom burden was rated with the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Major depression was diagnosed according to DSM‐5, and minor depression according to DSM‐IV‐TR research criteria. Neuroticism was rated with the Eysenck Personality Inventory.

Results

For women in 2014–16, MADRS score (4.4 vs. 6.1 vs. 5.8; P < 0.05) and neuroticism (6.6 vs. 7.7 vs. 9.2; P < 0.05) were lower compared with 1992–93 and 1976–77, and the prevalence of any depression was lower compared with 2000–02 and 1992–93 (10.9% vs. 16.9% vs. 18.1%; P < 0.05). For men, we observed no birth‐cohort differences in depression, while neuroticism was found to be lower in 2014–16 compared with 1976–77 among men without depression (5.1 vs. 5.9; P < 0.01). The sex difference for MADRS and neuroticism declined between 1976–77 and 2014–16 (cohort*sex P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Depressive burden and neuroticism decreased in 70‐year‐old women between 1976 and 2016.