bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel Kaizen technique for service quality: case study in educational organization
Authors: Chen Jih Kuang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The development and application of systematic procedures enabling Kaizen methodology development are still very rare, especially in the service industry. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a set of innovative improvement methodologies of service quality to enhance the extent and depth of Kaizen in the service domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method with impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC), which is more convenient in calculation and application, and Fuzzy theory not only effectively integrates opinions of multiple experts, but also improves the conventional MICMAC method, which can only make binary judgment on the mutual influence of elements, by making it able to judge the degree of influence, thereby delivering more accuracy in evaluating the results.

Findings

This innovative method which integrates Fuzzy-MICMAC with IPA displayed its usability in the analysis and research of a certain university library on service quality, and significant differences were found on comparing it with the conventional IPA method. The comparison and suggestion were proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The number of the experts involved and samples under investigation were limited, hence findings were not comprehensive enough and cannot be generalized. This sets the direction for future research.

Originality/value

This proposed method helps in overcoming the lack of systematic procedures enabling Kaizen methodology for service quality. It has the advantage of integrating existing tools and models effectively, which not only improve the shortcomings of the conventional methods, but also result in more convenient calculation and application, to promote Kaizen in service domain.
A review of the Toulon-Verona Conference Excellence in Services best papers 2008-2016
Authors: Papadimitriou Antigoni
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and explore the primary characteristics of the best papers, which have been selected by the Toulon-Verona Conference (TVC) Excellence in Services scientific committee for the period 2008-2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes a review of the best papers (n = 51) selected by the TVC’s scientific committee from 2008 to 2016 and obtained through the TVC’s archives. The primary highlights of each paper include number of authors, authorship profile (i.e. lead author affiliation, gender, and geographic location), co-authors’ geographic locations, classification of the papers, research topics, varieties of research methods used, number of electronic downloads (as of June 2017), number of citations, and subject keywords. Coding sheet developed to ensure standardization, consistency and to ensure the relevant data were collected for the content analysis. Mixed methods analysis (analyze quantitative data qualitative and and vice versa) was used to provide descriptive statistics.

Findings

In total, 51 best papers have been selected by the TVC scientific committee and reflected 145 authors. Lead authors were from a total of 50 HEIs worldwide and one consultant (private sector). Six papers were self-authored while the 45 were multi-authored. The majority of the papers written by Italian authors (58.8 percent); followed by France, Greece, and Sweden (5.9 percent each); Australia, Portugal, Spain, and UK (4 percent each); Austria, Norway, Slovenia, and Vietnam (1.9 percent each). In total, 37 papers were classified as a research paper, 10 case studies, and 4 theoretical.

Practical implications

The analysis for the first time define methodological trends for the TVC’s best papers and suggest possible future research topic and methodological approach for research in the management field.

Originality/value

The findings are unique for the TVC conference, for the TQM’s special issue, which provide practical implications for researchers and conference organizers and contribute to the literature of analyzing published papers.
A child's day: trends in time use in the UK from 1975 to 2015
Authors: Mullan Killian
Published: April 2018

This paper examines change in school‐age children’s (8–16 years) time use in the United Kingdom between 1975 and 2015. Over this period, concerns for children’s safety, technological change, and increased emphasis on success in school are widely argued to have altered children’s daily lives, leading for example to less time outdoors, more time in screen‐based activities, and more time focused on education. Using data from three national time use surveys collected in 1974–5, 2000–01 and 2014–15, this paper explores the extent to which these arguments reflect actual change in how children spend their time throughout the day. The results show that between 1975 and 2015 children increased their time at home, and spent more time in screen‐based activities and doing homework. Decreases in time in out‐of‐home activities were concentrated in time in unstructured play, partially offset by increased time in sport. A decomposition of trends revealed that, despite a narrowing of the gender gap in time in housework, gender remains a significant factor determining many aspects of children’s time use. In contrast, the significance of age declined in most leisure activities, with the exception of screen‐based activities where significant age differences emerged in 2000 and widened further in 2015.
Academic performance of third‐year medical students learning in rural settings
Authors: Wyatt Janine E. , Chater Alan Bruce
Published: April 2018

Objective

Investigate the academic performance of medical students in rural and remote discipline rotations by rurality of placement.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Rural and remote clinical placement locations in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

University of Queensland third‐year medical students.

Main outcome measures

In this study, student results for a range of assessments are the main outcome measures with rural area of student placement locations as categorised by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas system the independent variable of interest.

Results

There was a significant effect of Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas of placement on the health project, clinical case presentation, clinical participation assessment and overall grade, after controlling for the potential confounding impact of sex, age, students who attended the rural clinical school, cohort year, rotation during the year and type of health service where students were placed. No significant effect of rural placement level was identified for the written examination, poster or journal of achievement assessments.

Conclusion

Medical students’ academic achievement is associated with many factors, but this study shows that being placed in remote areas is one factor that either does not impede or can positively influence the learning and academic performance of medical students.
Development problems were common five years after positive screening for language disorders and, or, autism at 2.5 years of age
Authors: Miniscalco Carmela , Fernell Elisabeth , Thompson Lucy , Sandberg Eva , Kadesjö Björn , Gillberg Christopher
Published: April 2018

Aim

This study identified whether children who had screened positive for either developmental language disorder (DLD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of 2.5 years had neurodevelopmental assessments five years later.

Methods

Our study cohort were 288 children born from 1 July 2008 to 20 June 2009 who screened positive for DLD and, or, ASD at 2.5 years. Of these, 237 children were referred to, and assessed, at the Paediatric Speech and Language Pathology clinic (n = 176) or the Child Neuropsychiatry Clinic (n = 61) at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Clinical registers covering all relevant outpatient clinics were reviewed five years later with regard to established diagnoses.

Results

When the 237 were followed up five years later, 96 (40%) had established neurodevelopmental disorders or problems, often beyond DLD and ASD. Co‐existing problems were common in this cohort and multidisciplinary assessments were indicated. The other 60% did not appear in subsequent clinic records. It is likely that this 40% was a minimum rate and that more children will be referred for developmental problems later.

Conclusion

Five years after they had been screened positive for DLD and, or autism at 2.5 years, 40% of our cohort had remaining or other developmental problems.
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with the second generation of CD19 CAR‐T containing either CD28 or 4‐1BB
Authors: Li Shiqi , Zhang Jiasi , Wang Meiling , Fu Gang , Li Yunyan , Pei Li , Xiong Zhouxing , Qin Dabing , Zhang Rui , Tian Xiaobo , Wei Zhihao , Chen Run , Chen Xuejiao , Wan Jia , Chen Jun , Wei Xia , Xu Yanmin , Zhang Pei , Wang Ping , Peng Xi , Yang Sainan , Shen Junjie , Yang Zhi , Chen Jieping , Qian Cheng
Published: April 2018

T cells modified with anti‐CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) containing either CD28 or 4‐1BB (also termed TNFRSF9, CD137) costimulatory signalling have shown great potential in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, the difference between CD28 and 4‐1BB costimulatory signalling in CAR‐T treatment has not been well elucidated in clinical trials. In this study, we treated 10 relapsed or refractory ALL patients with the second generation CD19 CAR‐T. The first 5 patients were treated with CD28‐CAR and the other 5 patients were treated with 4‐1BB CAR‐T. All the 10 patients were response‐evaluable. Three patients achieved complete remission and 1 patient with extramedullary disease achieved partial response after CD28‐CAR‐T treatment. In the 4‐1BB CAR‐T treatment group, 3 patients achieved complete remission. Furthermore, FLT‐3 ligand (FLT3LG) was highly correlated with response time and may serve as a prognosis factor. No severe adverse events were observed in these 10 treated patients. Our study showed that both CD28 CAR‐T and 4‐1BB CAR‐T both worked for response but they differed in response pattern (peak reaction time, reaction lasting time and reaction degree), adverse events, cytokine secretion and immune‐suppressive factor level.
Overrated hedonic judgment of odors in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Urban‐Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Śmigielski Janusz , Kotlicka‐Antczak Magdalena
Published: April 2018

Aims

The odor identification ability and its hedonic judgment in patients with schizophrenia were evaluated in the study. The association between olfactory performance and negative symptoms and β‐endorphin concentration was also analyzed.

Methods

Study groups consisted of 23 patients with negative symptoms (PN) and 25 without predominant negative symptoms (PP) and 21 healthy individuals. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, odor hedonic evaluation, and plasma concentrations of β‐endorphin assay in all participants were performed.

Results

PN perceived the poorer olfactory identification; nevertheless, they evaluated unpleasant odors as more pleasant than PP and controls. Beta‐endorphin concentration was significantly higher among PN than in other study groups. No association was observed between β‐endorphin and odors identification and odor hedonic judgment among all study groups.

Conclusions

There is potential relationship between increased β‐endorphin concentration and severity of negative symptoms. Patients with predominant negative symptoms tend to evaluate odors as significantly more pleasant. Individuals with this subtype of schizophrenia might present specific, altered pattern of smell identification and hedonic judgment. Presumably, β‐endorphin has no direct influence on olfactory identification performance and hedonic judgment in schizophrenia.
Activation of T cells by dendritic cells exposed to a reference sensitizer: Towards a promising model to assess the allergenic potential of chemicals
Authors: Huppert Cécile , Paris Christophe , Langonné Isabelle , Muller Samuel , Mathiot Julianne , Abdessadeq Hakima , Gagnaire François , Battais Fabrice , Sponne Isabelle
Published: April 2018

Background

Low molecular weight chemicals constitute one of the major causes of occupational allergies. European legislation on chemicals recommends limiting the use of in vivo models for assessing the sensitizing potential of chemicals, and encourages the development of integrated alternative methods. An in vitro mouse model of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) that showed good accuracy (75%) and sensitivity (69%) has previously been developed to assess the sensitizing potential of chemicals.

Objective

To assess the ability of BMDCs to activate T cells (TCs) in vitro.

Methods

BMDCs pre‐exposed to the reference sensitizer ammonium hexachloroplatinate (AHCP) were co‐cultured with different subpopulations of TCs. TC activation was assessed by surface marker expression, proliferation, and cytokine release.

Results

The results showed significant activation of TCs co‐cultured with dendritic cells pre‐exposed to AHCP as evaluated by CD124 expression, proliferation, and cytokine secretion. Moreover, the response of TCs appeared to be Th2‐oriented. Naive TCs were shown to be involved in this response, and the removal of regulatory TCs did not improve the cell response.

Conclusions

The BMDCs used in this previously developed model appear to have the ability to activate TCs, confirming that the BMDC model represents a reliable assay for assessing the sensitizing potential of chemicals.
The market for independent directors
Authors: Chen Lei , Moers Frank
Published: April 2018

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Using the US setting from 1996 to 2006, we examine how the market for independent directors responds to increasingly stringent scrutiny.

Research Findings/Insights

Despite the unambiguous increase in the demand for independent directors (with financial expertise) since 2000, independent directors (with financial expertise) have not expanded their board seats but reduced them. Incumbents are more likely to depart from firms that are costly to advise and monitor, but only post‐2000. Meanwhile, we document an influx of new directors to the labor market. These new directors are more likely to be hired by firms that are costly to advise and monitor post‐2000 and are more likely to be financial experts so that the increased demand can be satisfied.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We provide evidence that the demand–supply framework adequately captures the market for independent directors. In particular, rather than the demand effect simply dominating the supply effect for a particular group of directors, the demand is fulfilled by opposing supply effects of different types of directors, specifically incumbents versus new entrants.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Policy makers should not underestimate the (dis)incentives that directors have to provide services to the market when initiating future governance reforms (e.g. writing the limit on the number of directorships held by directors into best practice/law). Firms, especially ones that are costly for directors to advise and monitor, are encouraged to explore effective ways to retain valuable directors and prepare thorough succession plans whenever the supply of directors is expected to shrink.
The impact of transarterial chemoembolization induced complications on outcomes after liver transplantation: A propensity‐matched study
Authors: Boteon Amanda Pinter Carvalheiro da Silva , Boteon Yuri Longatto , Vinuela Eduardo F. , Derosas Carlos , Mergental Hynek , Isaac John R. , Muiesan Paolo , Mehzard Homoyoon , Ma Yuk Ting , Shah Tahir , Mirza Darius F. , Perera M. Thamara P. R.
Published: April 2018

Background

Loco‐regional complications of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may adversely affect technical aspects of the liver transplantation (LT). This study reviewed the impact of those complications on postoperative outcomes encompassing implications on graft selection.

Methods

A retrospective, propensity score matching (1:1) analysis accounting for donor and recipient confounders was performed on a dataset of patients undergoing LT for hepatocellular carcinoma. Outcomes of patients who had TACE (TACE‐group) were compared with those who did not (NoTACE‐group).

Results

A total of 57 matched pairs were analyzed. TACE achieved effective tumor control (Pre‐TACE vs Post‐TACE; Median: 44 mm [interquartile range: 43‐50] vs 17 mm [0‐36]; P = .002) on imaging follow‐up. TACE group had, at the hepatectomy, higher incidence of ischemia‐related complications (adhesions of the necrotic tumor, cholecystitis, and/or bile duct necrosis) (40.4% vs 10.5%; P = .001). Overall major post‐LT complications rate (Dindo‐Clavien ≥3) were similar (P = .134). Those in the TACE group with donors after circulatory death (DCD) had 4.6% 90‐day mortality and 54.3% major complication rate compared to 6.9% and 77.3% (P = .380 and P = .112, respectively).

Conclusion

TACE was an effective bridging procedure that may complicate LT inducing ischemic‐related complications; nevertheless, it has not shown repercussions on mortality or morbidity after the procedure, even using donors after circulatory death.
Initial Clinical Experience of RP5063 Following Single Doses in Normal Healthy Volunteers and Multiple Doses in Patients with Stable Schizophrenia
Authors: Cantillon Marc , Ings Robert , Bhat Laxminarayan
Published: April 2018

RP5063 is a multimodal dopamine (D)‐serotonin (5‐HT) stabilizer with a high affinity for D2/3/4 and 5‐HT1A/2A/2B/7 receptors and moderate affinity for the serotonin transporter. Single‐dose (10 and 15 mg fasting, 15 mg fed) safety in healthy volunteers and multiple‐dose (10, 20, 50, and 100 mg fed, 10 days) safety and pharmacodynamics in patients with stable schizophrenia were defined in two phase I studies. In the single‐dose study, 32 treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were observed. Orthostatic hypotension (n = 6), nausea (n = 5), and dizziness (n = 4) were the most common. One serious adverse event (SAE), seen in a patient who should not have been in the study due to a history of seizures, involved brief seizure‐like symptoms. In the multiple‐dose study, 75 TEAEs were reported. Akathisia (n = 20) and somnolence (n = 14) were the most frequent. No clinically significant changes were seen in glucose or prolactin levels, lipid profiles, weight, or electrocardiographic recordings. In both studies, all TEAEs resolved and none led to withdrawal from the study or death. A pharmacodynamic evaluation reflected significant improvements with RP5063 (P < 0.05) over placebo in an analysis of patients with a baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score ≥50 for positive subscale scores. Improvements of the Trail Making A and Trail Making B test results were observed for patients treated in the 50 mg dose group for days 5, 10, and 16. These findings indicate that RP5063 is well‐tolerated up to 100 mg and displays promising preliminary clinical behavioral and cognition activity signals in patients with stable disease over a 10‐day period.
Imaging findings associated with nasopharyngeal amyloidosis in an Arabian stallion
Authors: Russell L. A. , Navas de Solis C. , Whitfield‐Cargile C. M. , Deveau M. A. , Buchanan B. R. , Gilmour L. J.
Published: April 2018

A 3‐year‐old Arabian stallion presented for imaging and further work‐up of nasal discharge and respiratory stridor secondary to nasal amyloidosis. Thickening of the nasal mucosa with heterogeneous attenuation of the affected tissues was identified on CT images. The nasal mucosa, mucosa of the arytenoid cartilages, and regional lymph nodes were hypointense on T2 and T1 MRI images with moderate, patchy contrast enhancement. Biopsy and histopathology of the nasal mucosa, mucosa of the arytenoid cartilages and regional lymph nodes confirmed the original diagnosis of amyloidosis. Six fractions of helical tomotherapy did not provide significant improvement in respiratory effort, and permanent tracheostomy was performed. Haemorrhagic nasal discharge and mucosal plaques in the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea worsened over a 19‐month interim. This paper offers the first description of the CT and MRI findings of nasopharyngeal amyloidosis in a horse, and the first description of the use of helical tomotherapy in an equine patient.
The group VIA calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 and NFATc4 pathway mediates IL‐1β‐induced expression of chemokines CCL2 and CXCL10 in rat fibroblasts
Authors: Kuwata Hiroshi , Yuzurihara Chihiro , Kinoshita Natsumi , Taki Yuki , Ikegami Yuki , Washio Sana , Hirakawa Yushi , Yoda Emiko , Aiuchi Toshihiro , Itabe Hiroyuki , Nakatani Yoshihito , Hara Shuntaro
Published: April 2018

Chemokines are secreted proteins that regulate cell migration and are involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Here, we sought to define the functional crosstalk between the lipid signaling and chemokine signaling. We obtained evidence that the induction of some chemokines is regulated by group VIA calcium‐independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) in IL‐1β‐stimulated rat fibroblastic 3Y1 cells. Treatment of 3Y1 cells with IL‐1β elicited an increased release of chemotactic factor(s) for monocytic THP‐1 cells into culture medium in a time‐dependent manner. Inhibitor studies revealed that an intracellular PLA2 inhibitor, arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), but not the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, attenuated the release of chemotactic factor(s). The chemotactic activity was inactivated by treatment with either heat or proteinase K, suggesting this chemotactic factor(s) is a proteinaceous factor(s). We purified the chemotactic factor(s) from the conditioned medium of IL‐1β‐stimulated 3Y1 cells using a heparin column and identified several chemokines, including CCL2 and CXCL10. The inducible expressions of CCL2 and CXCL10 were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with AACOCF3. Gene silencing using siRNA revealed that the inductions of CCL2 and CXCL10 were attenuated by iPLA2β knockdown. Additionally, the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor of activated T‐cell proteins (NFATs), but not nuclear factor‐κB, by IL‐1β stimulation was markedly attenuated by the iPLA2 inhibitor bromoenol lactone, and NFATc4 knockdown markedly attenuated the IL‐1β‐induced expression of both CCL2 and CXCL10. Collectively, these results indicated that iPLA2β plays roles in IL‐1β‐induced chemokine expression, in part via NFATc4 signaling.
A Tutorial on the Practical Use and Implication of Complete Sufficient Statistics
Authors: Hermans Lisa , Molenberghs Geert , Aerts Marc , Kenward Michael G. , Verbeke Geert
Published: April 2018

Completeness means that any measurable function of a sufficient statistic that has zero expectation for every value of the parameter indexing the parametric model class is the zero function almost everywhere. The property is satisfied in many simple situations in view of parameters of direct scientific interest, such as in regression models fitted to data from a random sample with fixed size. A random sample is not always of a fixed,a prioridetermined size. Examples include sequential sampling and stopping rules, missing data and clusters with random size. Often, there then is no complete sufficient statistic. A simple characterisation of incompleteness is given for the exponential family in terms of the mapping between the sufficient statistic and the parameter, based upon the implicit function theorem. Essentially, this is a comparison of the dimension of the sufficient statistic with the length of the parameter vector. This results in an easy verifiable criterion for incompleteness, clear and simple to use, even for complex settings as is shown for missing data and clusters of random size.

This tutorial exemplifies the (in)completeness property of a sufficient statistic, thereby illustrating our proposed characterisation. The examples are organised from more classical, simple examples to gradually more advanced settings.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for maintenance treatment of multifocal motor neuropathy: A multi‐center, open‐label, 52‐week phase 3 trial
Authors: Kuwabara Satoshi , Misawa Sonoko , Mori Masahiro , Iwai Yuta , Ochi Kazuhide , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nodera Hiroyuki , Tamaoka Akira , Iijima Masahiro , Toda Tatsushi , Yoshikawa Hiroo , Kanda Takashi , Sakamoto Ko , Kusunoki Susumu , Sobue Gen , Kaji Ryuji ,   on behalf of the Glovenin‐I MMN Study Group
Published: April 2018

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy is currently the only established treatment in patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and many patients have an IVIg‐dependent fluctuation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of every 3 week IVIg (1.0 g/kg) for 52 weeks. This study was an open‐label phase 3 clinical trial, enrolling 13 MMN patients. After an induction IVIg therapy (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 consecutive days), maintenance dose (1.0 g/kg) was given every 3 weeks for 52 weeks. The major outcome measures were the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score and hand‐grip strength at week 52. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01827072. At week 52, 11 of the 13 patients completed the study, and all 11 had a sustained improvement. The mean (SD) MRC sum score was 85.6 (8.7) at the baseline, and 90.6 (12.8) at week 52. The mean grip strength was 39.2 (30.0) kPa at the baseline and 45.2 (32.8) kPa at week 52. Two patients dropped out because of adverse event (dysphagia) and decision of an investigator, respectively. Three patients developed coronary spasm, dysphagia, or inguinal herniation, reported as the serious adverse events, but considered not related with the study drug. The other adverse effects were mild and resolved by the end of the study period. Our results show that maintenance treatment with 1.0 g/kg IVIg every 3 week is safe and efficacious for MMN patients up to 52 weeks. Further studies are required to investigate optimal dose and duration of maintenance IVIg for MMN.
A Longitudinal Examination of FDA Warning and Untitled Letters Issued to Pharmaceutical Companies for Violations in Drug Promotion Standards
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , McKinley Christopher , Temperini Valerio
Published: April 2018

This study examined over‐time differences in the nature and frequency of Food and Drug Administration warning and untitled letters issued to pharmaceutical companies. Across a 12‐year time frame, results indicate that frequency of letters and specific violations rose steadily from 2005 to 2010 but have since fallen dramatically. When infractions do occur, they continue to result from the omission or lack of risk information, misleading/false claims, omission of material facts, and labeling issues. In addition, the findings show that violations occur most frequently on brochures, sales aids, corporate websites, and print ads, with the proportion of violations on Internet media rising consistently over‐time. Overall, while these findings offer encouragement to those wary of deceptive marketing practices, given the increased proportion of violations within digital marketing platforms coupled with the rare, yet consistent tendency of companies to misrepresent product risk and/or efficacy information, continued focus must be given to consumer education initiatives.
Dissection of the genetic architecture of rice resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae using a genomewide association study
Authors: Li Chenggang , Su Pin , Wang Dan , Peng Shasha , Chen Yue , Chen Jianbin , Tan Xinqiu , Zhang Deyong , Wang Guo‐Liang , Liu Yong
Published: April 2018

Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), usually causes serious rice yield loss in many countries. Rice breeders have used resistance (R) genes to control the disease but many of the resistant cultivars become susceptible few years after releasing. Identification of new R genes to Xoo is one of the main objectives in rice breeding programs. In this study, we used a genomewide association study (GWAS) to analyse the resistance against the Xoo race C1 using the Rice Diversity Panel 1 (RDP1). Disease evaluation of the RDP1 population to C1 indicated that the AUS subgroup conferred a higher level of resistance to C1 than other subgroups. Genomewide association mapping identified 15 QTLs that are distributed on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12. Some of them are located in the regions without known resistance loci or QTLs. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of GWAS on the genetic dissection of rice resistance to Xoo and provided many Xoo resistance‐associated SNP markers for rice breeding.
Entangling the social: Comments on Alexander Wendt, Quantum Mind and Social Science
Authors: Little Daniel
Published: April 2018

Alexander Wendt suggests that an emerging field of research on quantum consciousness may have important implications for our understanding of the social world as well. He wants us to consider that the operations of the brain are not “classical” but rather quantum‐mechanical, and that this sheds light on the social worker as well. This article casts doubt on these claims. First, the idea of panpsychism (all physical things possess features of consciousness) is implausible on its face. Second, the findings of “quantum decision theory” are much more limited than Wendt recognizes. Third, the biological quantum effects currently subject to investigation are limited in their application to brains and persons by unavoidable limits of time and space scale on quantum effects. The “brain as quantum computer” or “brain as wave function” theory is very implausible given current knowledge.
The practices of collective action: Practice theory, sustainability transitions and social change
Authors: Welch Daniel , Yates Luke
Published: April 2018

Developing theory for understanding social transformation is essential for environmental sustainability, yet mainstream accounts of collective action neglect the dynamics of daily life. Theories of practice have proved generative for the study of sustainable consumption but struggle to accommodate the roles of collective actors, strategic action and purposive collective projects in social change. In response, this paper develops a practice theoretical account of collective action pertinent to processes of large scale social change, with specific focus on transitions towards sustainability. We consider three ideal types of collective—bureaucratic organisations, groupings and latent networks—and, drawing on existing social theoretical resources that are ontologically compatible with a practice account, explore the kinds of practices and arrangements which compose them. Processes concerning strategy, bureaucracy, management, social worlds and collective identity are identified as important combinations of practices and arrangements. We suggest a key contribution of practice theory has been to identify a type of collective action we call dispersed collective activity, and we suggest how this type of activity may give rise to collectives. We conclude by suggesting further development for the realisation of the project's contribution to the analysis of sustainability transitions.
Understanding the space of nursing practice in Colombia: A critical reflection on the effects of health system reform
Authors: Camargo Plazas Pilar
Published: April 2018

Worldwide, healthcare has been touched by neoliberal policies to the extent that it has some of its characteristics, such as being asymmetrical, competitive, dehumanized, and profit driven. In Colombia, Law 100/93 was created as an ambitious reform aimed at integrating the social security and public sectors of healthcare in order to create universal access, and at the same time to generate market competence with the objective of improving effectiveness and responsiveness. Instead, however, Colombian health reform has served to generate competition which has aggravated inequalities among people. Within this context, we practice nursing. As nurses, our responsibility is to advocate for our patients. We cannot ignore what is happening worldwide in hospitals and community health settings because our responsibility is to promote health, prevent disease, and care for human beings. So, today, when the world pushes for economical profit and competence on one hand, and, on the other, for moral compromises to care, respect, and advocacy for all human beings, being a nurse in the Colombian health system represents a challenge for us. This challenge is especially significant because harm and benefit, justice and injustice, respect and disrespect are separated by a fine line that is easy to transgress.
Re‐conceptualizing the nursing metaparadigm: Articulating the philosophical ontology of the nursing discipline that orients inquiry and practice
Authors: Bender Miriam
Published: April 2018

Jacqueline Fawcett's nursing metaparadigm—the domains of person, health, environment, and nursing—remains popular in nursing curricula, despite having been repeatedly challenged as a logical philosophy of nursing. Fawcett appropriated the word “metaparadigm” (indirectly) from Margaret Masterman and Thomas Kuhn as a devise that allowed her to organize then‐current areas of nursing interest into a philosophical “hierarchy of knowledge,” and thereby claim nursing inquiry and practice as rigorously “scientific.” Scholars have consistently rejected the logic of Fawcett's metaparadigm, but have not yet proposed a substantially agreed‐upon alternative. Through an analysis of articles introducing and critiquing Fawcett's metaparadigm, I argue for a re‐conceptualized metaparadigm that articulates nursing's ontology. What exists for the nursing discipline are not already‐demarcated metaparadigm domains, but rather interdependent, dynamic relations that constitute people, including nurses, in their health/environment circumstance. The nursing discipline aims to skillfully access this dynamic relationality as the basis for action and reflection to produce both positive health trajectories and knowledge that facilitates future action and reflection. Further inquiry into the onto‐epistemology of nursing will produce a more robust understanding of nursing practice, science, and philosophy, and clarify its unique contribution to health and healthcare.
Oesophageal diameter is associated with severity but not progression of systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Winstone Tiffany A. , Hague Cameron J. , Soon Jeanette , Sulaiman Nada , Murphy Darra , Leipsic Jonathon , Dunne James V. , Wilcox Pearce G. , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: April 2018

Background and objective

It is unknown whether oesophageal disease is associated with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD) severity, progression or mortality.

Methods

High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans from 145 SSc‐ILD patients were scored for fibrosis score, oesophageal diameter and presence of hiatal hernia. Fibrosis asymmetry was calculated as: (most affected side − least affected side)/(most affected side + least affected side). Mixed effects models were used for repeated measures analyses.

Results

Mean fibrosis score was 8.6%, and most patients had mild‐to‐moderate physiological impairment. Every 1 cm increase in oesophageal diameter was associated with 1.8% higher fibrosis score and 5.5% lower forced vital capacity (FVC; P ≤ 0.001 for unadjusted and adjusted analyses). Patients with hiatal hernia had 3.9% higher fibrosis score, with persistent differences on adjusted analysis (P = 0.001). Oesophageal diameter predicted worsening fibrosis score over the subsequent year (P = 0.02), but not when adjusting for baseline fibrosis score (P = 0.16). Oesophageal diameter was independently associated with mortality (P = 0.001). Oesophageal diameter was not associated with asymmetric disease or radiological features of gross aspiration.

Conclusion

Oesophageal diameter and hiatal hernia are independently associated with SSc‐ILD severity and mortality, but not with ILD progression or asymmetric disease. Oesophageal disease is unlikely to be a significant driver of ILD progression in SSc.
Tectonothermal history of the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) in the light of low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Botor Dariusz , Anczkiewicz Aneta A. , Dunkl István , Golonka Jan , Paszkowski Mariusz , Mazur Stanisław
Published: April 2018

The low‐temperature thermal history of the Holy Cross Mountains (HCM) is investigated by apatite fission track and apatite and zircon (U–Th)/He thermochronology. Our results provide constraints on the deformation history of Palaeozoic basement rocks in the transition area from Precambrian to Palaeozoic Europe that are exposed from beneath Permian–Mesozoic sediments within the HCM. Late to post‐Variscan cooling of the Palaeozoic strata from maximum temperatures is shown to be a major feature of the HCM. This cooling likely followed a heating event related to burial and/or hot fluid circulation along the Holy Cross Fault in the late Carboniferous. The central part of the HCM shows a rapid cooling event caused by tectonic inversion, which started in the Late Cretaceous. However, this event was less pronounced in the western margin of the HCM, where slow cooling continued throughout the Mesozoic with only minor acceleration of the cooling rate since the latest Cretaceous.
Multiple episodes of extensive marine anoxia linked to global warming and continental weathering following the latest Permian mass extinction
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Romaniello Stephen J. , Algeo Thomas J. , Lau Kimberly V. , Clapham Matthew E. , Richoz Sylvain , Herrmann Achim D. , Smith Harrison , Horacek Micha , Anbar Ariel D.
Published: April 2018

Multiple episodes of extensive oceanic anoxia delayed the marine ecosystem recovery from the latest Permian mass extinction.
Modeling and Simulation of Pretomanid Pharmacokinetics in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Lyons Michael A.
Published: April 2018

Pretomanid is a nitroimidazole antibiotic in late-phase clinical testing as a component of several novel antituberculosis (anti-TB) regimens. A population pharmacokinetic model for pretomanid was constructed using a Bayesian analysis of data from two phase 2 studies, PA-824-CL-007 and PA-824-CL-010, conducted with adult (median age, 27 years) patients in Cape Town, South Africa, with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB. Combined, these studies included 63 males and 59 females administered once-daily oral pretomanid doses of 50, 100, 150, 200, 600, 1,000, or 1,200 mg for 14 days. The observed pretomanid plasma concentration-time profiles for all tested doses were described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination and a sigmoidal bioavailability dependent on dose, time, and the predose fed state. Allometric scaling with body weight (normalized to 70 kg) was used for volume of distribution and clearance, with the scaling exponents equal to 1 and 3/4, respectively. The posterior population geometric means for the clearance and volume of distribution allometric constants were 4.8 ± 0.2 liters/h and 130 ± 5 liters, respectively, and the posterior population geometric mean for the half-maximum-effect dose for the reduction of bioavailability was 450 ± 50 mg. Interindividual variability, described by the percent coefficient of variation, was 32% ± 3% for clearance, 17% ± 4% for the volume of distribution, and 74% ± 9% for the half-maximum-effect dose. This model provides a dose-exposure relationship for pretomanid in adult TB patients with potential applications to dose selection in individuals and to further clinical testing of novel pretomanid-containing anti-TB regimens.
Inefficient HIV-1transInfection of CD4+T Cells by Macrophages from HIV-1 Nonprogressors Is Associated with Altered Membrane Cholesterol and DC-SIGN
Authors: DeLucia Diana C. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Rappocciolo Giovanna
Published: April 2018

Professional antigen-presenting cells (APC; myeloid dendritic cells [DC] and macrophages [MΦ]; B lymphocytes) mediate highly efficient HIV-1 infection of CD4+T cells, termedtransinfection, that could contribute to HIV-1 pathogenesis. We have previously shown that lower cholesterol content in DC and B lymphocytes is associated with a lack of HIV-1transinfection in HIV-1-infected nonprogressors (NP). Here, we assessed whether HIV-1transinfection mediated by another major APC, MΦ, is deficient in NP due to altered cholesterol metabolism. When comparing healthy HIV-1 seronegatives (SN), rapid progressors (PR), and NP, we found that monocyte-derived MΦ from NP did not mediate HIV-1transinfection of autologous CD4+T cells, in contrast to efficienttransinfection mediated by SN and PR MΦ. MΦtransinfection efficiency was directly associated with the number of DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN)-expressing MΦ. Significantly fewer NP MΦ expressed DC-SIGN. Unesterified (free) cholesterol in MΦ cell membranes and lipid rafting was significantly lower in NP than PR, as was virus internalization in early endosomes. Furthermore, simvastatin (SIMV) decreased the subpopulation of DC-SIGN+MΦ as well ascisandtransinfection. Notably, SIMV decreased cell membrane cholesterol and led to lipid raft dissociation, effectively mimicking the incompetent APCtransinfection environment characteristic of NP. Our data support that DC-SIGN and membrane cholesterol are central to MΦtransinfection, and a lack of these limits HIV-1 disease progression. Targeting the ability of MΦ to drive HIV-1 dissemination intranscould enhance HIV-1 therapeutic strategies.

IMPORTANCEDespite the success of combination antiretroviral therapy, neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV infection has been developed, demonstrating a need for novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. Here, we show that efficiency of MΦ-mediated HIVtransinfection of CD4+T cells is a unique characteristic associated with control of disease progression, and it is impaired in HIV-infected NP.In vitrotreatment of MΦ from healthy donors with SIMV lowers their cholesterol content, which results in a strongly reducedtransinfection ability, similar to the levels of MΦ from NP. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that MΦ-mediated HIV-1transinfection plays a role in HIV infection and disease progression and demonstrate that the use of SIMV to decrease this mechanism of virus transfer should be considered for future HIV therapeutic development.
Behaviours preceding suicides at railway and underground locations: a multimethodological qualitative approach
Authors: Mackenzie Jay-Marie , Borrill Jo , Hawkins Emily , Fields Bob , Kruger Ian , Noonan Ian , Marzano Lisa
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Suicides by train have devastating consequences for families, the rail industry, staff dealing with the aftermath of such incidents and potential witnesses. To reduce suicides and suicide attempts by rail, it is important to learn how safe interventions can be made. However, very little is known about how to identify someone who may be about to make a suicide attempt at a railway location (including underground/subways). The current research employed a novel way of understanding what behaviours might immediately precede a suicide or suicide attempt at these locations.

Design and methods

A qualitative thematic approach was used for three parallel studies. Data were gathered from several sources, including interviews with individuals who survived a rail suicide attempt (n=9), CCTV footage of individuals who died by rail suicide (n=16) and qualitative survey data providing views from rail staff (n=79).

Results

Our research suggests that there are several behaviours that people may carry out before a suicide or suicide attempt at a rail location, including station hopping and platform switching, limiting contact with others, positioning themselves at the end of the track where the train/tube approaches, allowing trains to pass by and carrying out repetitive behaviours.

Conclusions

There are several behaviours that may be identifiable in the moments leading up to a suicide or suicide attempt on the railways which may present opportunities for intervention. These findings have implications for several stakeholders, including rail providers, transport police and other organisations focused on suicide prevention.
Ventricular arrhythmia burden after transcatheter versus surgical pulmonary valve replacement
Authors: Wadia Subeer Kanwar , Lluri Gentian , Aboulhosn Jamil A , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Reemtsen Brian L , Laks Hillel , Biniwale Reshma M , Levi Daniel S , Salem Morris , Moore Jeremy P
Published: April 2018

Objective

Comparative ventricular arrhythmia (VA) outcomes following transcatheter (TC-PVR) or surgical pulmonary valve replacement (S-PVR) have not been evaluated. We sought to compare differences in VAs among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) following TC-PVR or S-PVR.

Methods

Patients with repaired CHD who underwent TC-PVR or S-PVR at the UCLA Medical Center from 2010 to 2016 were analysed retrospectively. Patients who underwent hybrid TC-PVR or had a diagnosis of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries were excluded. Patients were screened for a composite of non-intraoperative VA (the primary outcome variable), defined as symptomatic/recurrent non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) requiring therapy, sustained VT or ventricular fibrillation. VA epochs were classified as 0–1 month (short-term), 1–12 months (mid-term) and ≥1 year (late-term).

Results

Three hundred and two patients (TC-PVR, n=172 and S-PVR, n=130) were included. TC-PVR relative to S-PVR was associated with fewer clinically significant VAs in the first 30 days after valve implant (adjusted HR 0.20, p=0.002), but similar mid-term and late-term risks (adjusted HR 0.72, p=0.62 and adjusted HR 0.47, p=0.26, respectively). In propensity-adjusted models, S-PVR, patient age at PVR and native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (vs bioprosthetic/conduit outflow tract) were independent predictors of early VA after pulmonary valve implantation (p<0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Compared with S-PVR, TC-PVR was associated with reduced short-term but comparable mid-term and late-term VA burdens. Risk factors for VA after PVR included a surgical approach, valve implantation into a native RVOT and older age at PVR.
What they say and what they do: comparing physical activity across the USA, England and the Netherlands
Authors: Kapteyn Arie , Banks James , Hamer Mark , Smith James P , Steptoe Andrew , van Soest Arthur , Koster Annemarie , Htay Wah Saw
Published: April 2018

Background

Physical activity (PA) is important for maintaining health, but there are fundamental unanswered questions on how best it should be measured.

Methods

We measured PA in the Netherlands (n=748), the USA (n=540) and England (n=254), both by a 7 day wrist-worn accelerometer and by self-reports. The self-reports included a global self-report on PA and a report on the frequency of vigorous, moderate and mild activity.

Results

The self-reported data showed only minor differences across countries and across groups within countries (such as different age groups or working vs non-working respondents). The accelerometer data, however, showed large differences; the Dutch and English appeared to be much more physically active than Americans h (For instance, among respondents aged 50 years or older 38% of Americans are in the lowest activity quintile of the Dutch distribution). In addition, accelerometer data showed a sharp decline of PA with age, while no such pattern was observed in self-reports. The differences between objective measures and self-reports occurred for both types of self-reports.

Conclusion

It is clear that self-reports and objective measures tell vastly different stories, suggesting that across countries people use different response scales when answering questions about how physically active they are.