bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Drug Delivery by Radiation-Induced Tumor Vascular Modulation
Authors: Kunjachan Sijumon , Kotb Shady , Kumar Rajiv , Pola Robert , Pechar Michal , Gremse Felix , Taleeli Reza , Trichard Florian , Motto-Ros Vincent , Sancey Lucie , Detappe Alexandre , Protti Andrea , Shanmugam Ilanchezhian , Ireland Thomas , Etrych Tomas , Sridhar Srinivas , Tillement Olivier , Makrigiorgos G. Mike , Berbeco Ross
Published: February 2018

Effective drug delivery is severely restricted by the presence of complex pathophysiological barriers in solid tumors. In human pancreatic adenocarcinoma, mature and hypopermeable tumor blood vessels limit the permeation and penetration of chemo or nanotherapeutics to cancer cells and substantially reduce the treatment efficacy. New, clinically-viable strategies are therefore sought to breach the neoplastic barriers that prevent optimal tumor-specific drug delivery. Here, we present an original idea to boost targeted drug delivery by selectively knocking down the tumor vascular barrier in a poorly permeable human pancreatic cancer model. For the first time, we demonstrate that clinical irradiation (10 Gy, 6 MV) can induce tumor vascular modulation when combined with tumor endothelial-targeting gold nanoparticles. Active disruption of tumor blood vessels by nanoparticle-combined radiotherapy led to increased vessel permeability and improved tumor uptake of two prototypical model nanodrugs: i) a short-circulating nanocarrier with MR-sensitive gadolinium (Gad-NC; 8 kDa; t1/2=1.5 h) and ii) a long-circulating nanocarrier with fluorescence-sensitive NIR dye (FL-NC; 30 kDa; t1/2=25 h). Functional changes in the altered tumor vessel dynamics, measured by relative changes in permeability (Ktrans), flux rate (Kep) and extracellular interstitial volume (Ve) were consistent with the concomitant increase in nanodrug delivery. This combination of radiation-induced antivascular and nanodrug-mediated anti-tumor treatment offers high therapeutic benefit for tumors with pathophysiology that restricts efficient drug delivery.
Low-angle boundaries in ZnGeP2single crystals
Authors: Lei Zuotao , Okunev Aleksei , Zhu Chongqiang , Verozubova Galina , Yang Chunhui
Published: February 2018

The structure of low-angle boundaries in ZnGeP2crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman technique was studied using Borrmann X-ray topography. The slip systems of the dislocations in the boundaries were identified by studying the contrast rosettes generated by the Borrmann effect, in the region near the dislocation core. It was shown that the boundaries are of two types: type I consists of edge dislocations of the {1\overline{1}0}〈110〉 slip system, and type II of edge and mixed dislocations of the {010}〈100〉 slip system. The boundaries of both types, consisting of pure edge dislocations with lines along [001], are symmetrical tilt boundaries with [001] rotation axes. The misorientations generated by the boundaries were estimated to range between 2–20 and 1–40′′, respectively. Low-angle boundaries are thought to be formed by polygonization of dislocations, caused by thermoelastic stresses.
Post-purchase shipping and customer service experiences in online shopping and their impact on customer satisfaction
Authors: Cao Yingxia , Ajjan Haya , Hong Paul
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of post-purchase logistic services on customer satisfaction and future purchase decision, to reveal any differences across China and Taiwan, to fill in a gap in the literature focused on post-purchase logistic activities related to shipping, return, and tracking, to provide managerial guidance in logistics for e-commerce, and to develop insights on logistic services for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a validated survey instrument, 384 respondents in China and 145 respondents in Taiwan are collected. The research model is analyzed using component-based estimation approach to structural equation modeling.

Findings

The structural equation analysis of the study found that post-purchase shipping and tracking have an impact on customer satisfaction in both China and Taiwan. It also found that customer service is the most significant factor among the examined antecedents for online shoppers in China. While, return service is more important for shoppers in Taiwan. Finally, customer satisfaction played a stronger positive role for online shoppers in Taiwan as compared to their counterparts in China.

Research limitations/implications

This research extended the current literature about post-purchase logistic services in an online shopping environment with a literature-based research model and good empirical data support. However, one limitation of the study is that the data collected represents a cross-sectional sample; future research should examine longitudinal sample to study customers’ purchase intentions over time.

Practical implications

This study can help both scholars and practitioners understand the importance of tracking, return, shipping, and customer service in an online shopping environment and across countries. It provides insights on designing e-commerce relevant shipping services to satisfy and attract customers across countries.

Originality/value

The study investigated how post-purchase activities contributed to customer satisfaction in online shopping and explored the influence of customer satisfaction on future purchase intention in China and Taiwan. This is one of the first studies available in the literature to provide empirical support and managerial insights about post-purchase activities related to shipping, tracking, and returns for e-commerce with cross-regional comparison.
Cost performance of building refurbishment works: the case of Malaysia
Authors: Ali Azlan Shah , Azmi Nur Farhana , Baaki Timothy Kurannen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Refurbishment is inherently more sustainable than building new. However, planned and actual costs of refurbishment projects are bound to vary due to the complex nature of most such projects. This can affect the performance of refurbishment work. The purpose of this paper is to examine factors responsible for elemental cost variations between the actual and planned costs of refurbishment projects. The study also examines factors that contribute to differences in actual and planned cost between refurbishment and new build projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted for this study. A literature review identified factors responsible for elemental cost variations in refurbishment projects, as well as factors responsible for differences in actual and planned cost of new build and refurbishment projects. This was followed by a questionnaire survey of refurbishment projects across Malaysia. A total of 55 respondents provided input through a questionnaire survey to identify these factors.

Findings

This study demonstrates that procurement strategy (PS), inappropriate contractors (IC), poor project management (PPM), availability of funding, materials and equipment, and force majeure (FM) significantly affect refurbishment cost performance. Electrical installations, firefighting equipment, and painting were the building elements most affected by cost variations. A regression model for refurbishment cost prediction indicates that PS, IC, PPM, availability of funding, materials and equipment, and FM were significant predictors of building refurbishment cost performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into the major factors affecting elemental cost variation of refurbishment works, as well as building elements most affected by cost variations and provides a model for predicting refurbishment cost performance.
Remediation and protection of masonry structures with crystallising moisture blocking treatment
Authors: Al-Kheetan Mazen J. , Rahman Mujib M. , Chamberlain Denis A.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of new and innovative crystallising materials, so-called moisture blockers, in protecting masonry structures from water ingress.

Design/methodology/approach

Two masonry wells were constructed: one with lime mortar and the other with cement-based mortar in order to hold water inside, and then a moisture blocking product was applied at dry and wet conditions to the negative hydrostatic pressure side. The moisture levels of both, the surfaces and the substrate, were then observed for 14 days.

Findings

Results demonstrated that moisture blocking materials are effective methods in reducing the levels of surface moisture for bricks, mortar-brick interface and mortar.

Originality/value

Moisture blockers use the available water in the masonry to block the passage of water to the surface of the masonry, filling pores, cracks and spaces at the interface between mortar and bricks. This approach will deliver a wider understanding of how water-based moisture blockers work and the scenarios in which they are best applied. The pursuit of possible environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for use in the construction industry is the key driver of this research.
Integrating BIM into facility management
Authors: Hosseini M. Reza , Roelvink Rogier , Papadonikolaki Eleni , Edwards David John , Pärn Erika
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Integrating building information modelling (BIM) into facility management (FM) has generated fervent debate within the extant literature given an increasing realisation amongst practitioners that the majority of BIM benefits reside within the whole lifecycle management. Converting a building’s in-use data and information into tangible business knowledge to augment FM performance is crucial for business growth and prosperity. Yet curiously, scant academic attention has been paid in investigating the data and information hand-over process through BIM required by FM. The purpose of this paper is to address this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach adopted draws upon pertinent BIM in the FM literature and a qualitative discourse accrued via focus group meetings of Australian FM experts.

Findings

The study’s findings are presented as a data and information typology matrix that captures the associations among different forms of data ownership, FM service delivery categories and data and information typologies for using BIM in FM.

Practical implications

The analysis results will prove invaluable for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners by providing a relevant data and information typology and capturing the complex associations in the process of integrating BIM into FM.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by providing a better understanding of different forms of data and information, required by members of a FM team. The original insight shared here is the necessity to consider a distinctive array of interests and the potential for using different forms of data and information when integrating BIM into FM.
Developing an effective renovation plan: the influence of data collection tools
Authors: Ogbeifun Edoghogho , Mbohwa Charles , Pretorius Jan-Harm Christiaan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

All built facility begins to show signs of deterioration immediately after the facility is completed and put to use, thus necessitating routine maintenance. Increase in defects due to age, usage, and other factors, requires extensive maintenance activities known as renovation. The data used for a typical renovation plan can be collected using the condition assessment (CA) tool which depends on physical inspection of the defects or through a facility condition index which hinges on harnessing and analyzing the information in the operational history of the facility. The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of a typical renovation plan using both tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The single case study of qualitative research was adopted. The data were collected through the principle of semi-structured questionnaire complemented with interviews and document analysis. The documents include periodic operational reports and a CA report used for planned renovation exercise of the Facilities Management (FM) Unit in a higher education institution in South Africa.

Findings

The findings revealed that although the FM Unit produces periodic reports, but there was no evidence of detailed analysis of the reports. Therefore, the programmed renovation exercises are based purely on the information from a CA.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a single site case study of qualitative research; the data collected are limited and not sufficient for generalization of the results. Furthermore, the lack of record of the analysis of the operational history in the periodic reports negatively affected the computation of facilities condition index (FCI). Thus it was not possible to demonstrate the strength of FCI over CA from empirical information.

Originality/value

The quality of a typical renovation plan is influenced by the tool used for data collection. Although the CA tool is commonly used, experience shows that the renovation exercise developed from such records is prone to many execution setbacks, such as frequent scope changes and the associated cost and time overruns. These setbacks can be minimized if the FCI is used as the tool for data collection.
The effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: the case of an island destination
Authors: Sangpikul Aswin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 457 international tourists visiting Phuket through a convenience sampling method. The structural equation modeling approach by AMOS was used to test the effects.

Findings

In case of island destination, beach attraction is not the only factor contributing to tourists’ loyalty, but hospitality of local people also plays an essential component to retain loyal tourists.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only one construct (i.e. travel experience) affecting tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty.

Practical implications

Tourist experience in beach attractions and local people are the key factors to retain royal tourists.

Social implications

Quality of beaches and friendliness of local people are important factors to promote island tourism.

Originality/value

Two key factors of tourist experience were found to affect tourists’ loyalty in the case of island destination: beach attractions and local people.
Application of visual methods to perceptions of tourism development
Authors: Hillman Peita , Moyle Brent D. , Weiler Betty
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits and drawbacks of visual methods, specifically architectural drawings, for assessing locals’ perceptions of proposed tourism development in a cultural tourism precinct.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the use of visual methods 21 in-depth interviews were conducted with locals working in the tourism industry in Ubud, Bali. During the interviews, respondents were shown a series of architectural drawings depicting a new Western-branded hotel development.

Findings

The use of visual methods, specifically architectural drawings to gauge reactions from respondents revealed mixed levels of support for future tourism development. Respondents were supportive of an increase in visitors but were cautious about the nature of new development.

Research limitations/implications

Visual research methods should also be considered in an interview setting to supplement traditional questioning techniques.

Originality/value

This study provides an outline of how visual methods can either support or detract from qualitative methodologies and allow for a considered design if incorporated into future studies.
The role of aesthetic experiential qualities for tourist satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Breiby Monica Adele , Slåtten Terje
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the role of aesthetic experiential qualities for tourist overall satisfaction and three types of loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A national tourist route in Norway was chosen as an empirical context for this study. Totally, the role of five aesthetic experiential qualities were examined, namely, scenery, cleanliness harmony, art/architecture and genuineness.

Findings

The findings reveal that the three aesthetic experiential qualities, scenery, harmony and genuineness, were all positively related to tourist overall satisfaction with the tourist road. Moreover, tourist overall satisfaction had a direct influence on three types of loyalty, referring to tourists’ intentions to recommend the tourist road to other, to revisit same tourist road and to visit similar tourist roads in the future. However, the findings reveal that only two aesthetic qualities, cleanliness and genuineness, had a direct effect on intention to revisit the same tourist road, and thus indicates a more complex explanatory pattern concerning tourist loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to five aesthetic experiential qualities in a specific nature-based tourist context. The results open up some of the areas for future research on the role of aesthetics in man-made environments (in addition to the natural environment) in nature-based tourism. When most of the other variables are similar, aesthetic experiential qualities may make a difference to a nature-based product’s performance, and thus provide the competitive edge.

Practical implications

Destination managers and marketers should focus on aesthetic experiential qualities to increase tourist satisfaction and loyalty, and thereby strengthen a destination competitiveness and value creation.

Originality/value

Responding to the need to focus on aesthetic experiential qualities in a nature-based tourism context, this study measures the effects of the aesthetic experiential qualities for tourist satisfaction and loyalty in an original destination setting.
Supply chain risk’s impact on corporate financial performance
Authors: Chen Hong Long
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Researchers have long sought to understand how risks in supply chains (SCs) affect firm performance. Yet, they have not fully subjected claims of how SC risks affect firm financial performance to theoretical and empirical scrutiny. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the links between SC risks and firm financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The author analyzes how SC risks affect firm financial performance from the perspective of marginal financial performance (MFP) using survey and financial statement data. The author employs structural equation modeling to examine the hypotheses using 106 Taiwanese listed companies across 20 industries.

Findings

The findings regarding the importance of industry-specific risk, organizational risk, internal business process risk, and demand risk are consistent with prior studies. The author finds that demand risk has an MFP of −0.20, the highest negative effect among the risk variables. The findings also show that industry-specific risk possesses an MFP of −0.16, the second-highest negative effect, despite having no direct effect on financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examines how SC risks affect MFP via combining survey and financial statement data. It does not assume the reported MFP estimates apply to all businesses in other countries. However, future research could triangulate our findings.

Originality/value

This study combines survey and financial data to analyze how SC risks affect firm financial performance. Specifically, it provides a methodology for estimating quantitative cause-effect relationships between SC risk and firm financial performance, an important topic that receives less research interest in the field of supply chain management.
The diffusion network of research knowledge in operations management
Authors: Pilkington Alan , Meredith Jack R.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the research knowledge in OM has been obtained and distributed since the first journals in OM began publication in 1980, changes in the interests of OM over the decades and where they are heading in the future; and to explore the changing roles of individual journals in the development of OM.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage bibliometric study was employed, first using citation analysis to examine the changing research interests in OM through an analysis of the OM journals. Then the top journals of most importance to OM were analyzed to determine the role that each one played in the knowledge distribution network and how that changed over the decades.

Findings

OM’s journal base consists of 7 research knowledge sources, 12 transmitters linking different journal groups, and 11 sinks with limited input. Research attention changed from practice, engineering, and OR to general management, strategy, and production management in the 2000s, with strategy, organizational issues, and logistics surfacing in the 2010s. OM features increasingly academic research with less interest in practice. OM journals’ network importance has increased substantially, with JOM now a bridge between the quantitative and management journals.

Practical implications

Both researchers and managers gain in understanding the history and identifying the future direction of OM, as well as which journals will have the most relevant papers to their interests.

Originality/value

This research identifies the history of the OM field in terms of its constituents and where it is going in the future. This history is related to the role OM plays among the knowledge network of top journals and presents a novel way of classifying and labeling journals based on their contribution.
Modeling management behaviors in lean production environments
Authors: Camuffo Arnaldo , Gerli Fabrizio
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and empirically validate a repertoire of management behaviors associated with the adoption of lean systems, showing how a subset of such behaviors differentiates more advanced lean systems in a specific setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies regression analysis and non-parametric hypothesis testing to an original data set coming from field research of 26 cases of adoption of lean operations practices.

Findings

The study: identifies in the lean literature a repertoire of management behaviors that support lean implementations and complement the adoption of lean practices; provides a way to operationalize them; validates this repertoire of behaviors; and shows that a subset of these behaviors is associated with more advanced lean implementations, suggesting the necessity to adopt a situational approach to lean leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have boundary conditions, defined by the national, industrial, and size context in which the study was conducted.

Practical implications

The study provides practical guidance for lean system implementation suggesting a repertoire of management behaviors within which firms can identify and validate specific, appropriate subsets of behaviors aligned with the company strategy, culture, size, environment, bundle of lean operation practices adopted, and maturity stage of lean adoption.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide quantitative, non-anecdotal evidence of the relationship between specific management behaviors and the successful implementation of lean operations practices. It offers a novel method to operationalize and measure lean management behaviors.
Is organizational learning being absorbed by knowledge management? A systematic review
Authors: Castaneda Delio Ignacio , Manrique Luisa Fernanda , Cuellar Sergio
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on research regarding organizational learning (OL) and knowledge management (KM), and to specifically investigate whether OL has been conceptually absorbed by KM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on 16,185 articles from the Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases, using VantagePoint 10.0 software. The method used in this study is a systematic literature review covering KM and OL publications from the 1970s, when the OL field started to grow, up to 2016.

Findings

Nuclear processes of OL, creation and acquisition of knowledge, have been conceptually absorbed by KM literature in the past years.

Research limitations/implications

Only two databases have been considered, Scopus and ISI Web of Science, because of their academic prestige. However, these databases include a large number of articles on KM and OL. Search terms used could exclude some relevant terms, although all major descriptive terms have been included.

Practical implications

This paper identifies thematic clusters in KM and OL, evolution of both fields, most cited authors and representative journals by topic.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to jointly analyse the evolution of KM and OL. This paper shows a conceptual absorption of OL into KM, which may enrich academic discussion and also provide some clarity to the conceptualization of these two fields.
Moral avoidance for people and planet: anti-consumption drivers
Authors: Sudbury-Riley Lynn , Kohlbacher Florian
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a form of anti-consumption termed moral avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds and tests a model of moral avoidance, using a sample (n=457) of adults aged 50-94 years.

Findings

Two distinct forms of this type of anti-consumption emerged, one based on exploitation of eco-systems and one on exploitation of humans. Ecology concerns and perceived consumer effectiveness are significant antecedents to both forms, while ethical ideology also impacts anti-consumption for social reasons. Greater numbers practice this form of anti-consumption for social reasons than for ecology reasons.

Practical implications

The study uncovers new underlying reasons why people practice moral avoidance and in so doing guides managers in their targeting and decision making.

Originality/value

The study is the first to demonstrate that this form of anti-consumption has two different perspectives: planet and people. Moreover, older adults are important ethical consumers, but no previous study has explored them from an anti-consumption perspective.
Where to Draw the Line? Is Efficiency Encroaching on a Fair Justice System?
Authors: Easton Jo
Published: February 2018

The government is currently implementing an ambitious agenda of reforms to transform the justice system of England and Wales. The stated aim is to improve efficiency, primarily by utilising technology and bringing processes online where possible. The speed and ambition of the programme has led to concerns that the drive for efficiency is coming at the expense of ensuring a fair and effective justice system. This article suggests that the fundamental principles underpinning our justice system are at risk of being lost in the push for increased efficiency. It focuses on two specific proposals: increasing the use of video links, thus moving to virtual hearings as the default position for the majority of cases; and of automating the conviction process in certain criminal cases. It is argued that both proposals undermine the role of an independent judiciary in making fair and transparent decisions.
Influence of chemoradiotherapy on nutritional status, functional capacity, quality of life and toxicity of treatment for patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Aredes Mariah A. , Garcez Marcelly R. , Chaves Gabriela V.
Published: February 2018

Aim

Assess the influence of chemoradiotherapy on the nutritional status, functional capacity and quality of life (QoL), associating these indicators at baseline with toxicity and interruption of oncologic treatment in women with cervical cancer.

Methods

Prospective cohort study performed on 49 women diagnosed with cervical cancer, who underwent treatment between August 2015 and January 2016. For data collection, two appointments were conducted by the lead researcher: the first occurred the day before the first chemotherapy session (T0) and the other at the end of chemotherapy session (T1). Nutritional status was measured by anthropometry (weight, height, mid‐upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness) and computed tomography (skeletal muscle index—SMI), functional capacity by handgrip strength (HGS) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and application of QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30).

Results

The average age was 45 ± 13.8 years and 81.6% of the women were diagnosed in stages II and III. There was significant reduction in HGS, KPS and QoL between T0 and T1, in addition to a significant QoL reduction according to worsening nutritional status. The interruption of chemotherapy was significantly associated with the variables of nutritional status assessed at baseline. Women who interrupted treatment due to acute toxicity also had a significant lower median SMI than those who concluded the treatment and 83% of these patients presented cachexia.

Conclusions

Chemoradiotherapy treatment in patients with cervical cancer had changed negative nutritional parameters, function capacity and QoL, and poor nutritional status at baseline was associated with chemotherapy interruption.
Identification of pyrG Used as an Endogenous Reference Gene in Qualitative and Real‐Time Quantitative PCR Detection of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Zheng Shi , Shan Luying , Zhuang Yongliang , Shang Ying
Published: February 2018

As a well‐known edible fungus rich in nutrients, Pleurotus ostreatus has been used as an alternative to expensive wild edible fungi. Specifically, the fact that using P. ostreatus instead of other expensive wild edible fungi has damaged the rights and interests of consumers. Among the existing methods for detection of food adulteration, the amplification of endogenous reference gene is the most accurate method. However, an ideal endogenous reference gene for P. ostreatus has yet to be developed. In this study, a DNA extraction method for P. ostreatus was optimized, and pyrG was selected as a species‐specific gene through sequence alignment. This gene was subsequently subjected to qualitative and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays with 3 different P. ostreatus varieties and 7 other species. A low detection limit of 5 pg/μL was obtained by TaqMan quantitative PCR, and no pyrG amplification product was observed in the 7 other species. No allelic variation was detected in P. ostreatus varieties. These experiments confirmed that pyrG was an ideal endogenous reference gene for the qualitative and real‐time quantitative PCR detection of P. ostreatus. This method was also suitable for the examination of processed P. ostreatus samples and determination of adulteration in wild mushrooms.

Practical Application

The pyrG gene was chosen as an ideal endogenous reference gene for the qualitative and real‐time quantitative PCR detection of P. ostreatus, and the detection limit was 5 pg/μL for the quantification. This method is used not only for raw materials but also for processed P. ostreatus products and other processed mushroom foods.
Intercomparison of Satellite Remote Sensing‐Based Flood Inundation Mapping Techniques
Authors: Munasinghe Dinuke , Cohen Sagy , Huang Yu‐Fen , Tsang Yin‐Phan , Zhang Jiaqi , Fang Zheng
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of five different digital image processing techniques to map flood inundation extent with Landsat 8–Operational Land Imager satellite imagery. The May 2016 flooding event in the Hempstead region of the Brazos River, Texas is used as a case study for this first comprehensive comparison of classification techniques of its kind. Five flood water classification techniques (i.e., supervised classification, unsupervised classification, delta‐cue change detection, Normalized Difference Water Index [NDWI], modified NDWI [MNDWI]) were implemented to characterize flooded regions. To identify flood water obscured by cloud cover, a digital elevation model (DEM)–based approach was employed. Classified floods were compared using an Advanced Fitness Index to a “reference flood map” created based on manual digitization, as well as other data sources, using the same satellite image. Supervised classification yielded the highest accuracy of 86.4%, while unsupervised, MNDWI, and NDWI closely followed at 79.6%, 77.3%, and 77.1%, respectively. Delta‐cue change detection yielded the lowest accuracy with 70.1%. Thus, supervised classification is recommended for flood water classification and inundation map generation under these settings. The DEM‐based approach used to identify cloud‐obscured flood water pixels was found reliable and easy to apply. It is therefore recommended for regions with relatively flat topography.
A pilot study of hyperoxemia on neurological injury, inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Lång M. , Skrifvars M. B. , Siironen J. , Tanskanen P. , Ala‐Peijari M. , Koivisto T. , Djafarzadeh S. , Bendel S.
Published: February 2018

Background

Normobaric hyperoxia is used to alleviate secondary brain ischaemia in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but clinical evidence is limited and hyperoxia may cause adverse events.

Methods

An open label, randomised controlled pilot study comparing blood concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) between two different fractions of inspired oxygen in severe TBI patients on mechanical ventilation.

Results

We enrolled 27 patients in the Fi O2 0.40 group and 38 in the Fi O2 0.70 group; 19 and 23 patients, respectively, completed biochemical analyses. In baseline, there were no differences between Fi O2 0.40 and Fi O2 0.70 groups, respectively, in ROS (64.8 nM [22.6–102.1] vs. 64.9 nM [26.8–96.3], P = 0.80), IL‐6 (group 92.4 pg/ml [52.9–171.6] vs. 94.3 pg/ml [54.8–133.1], P = 0.52) or NSE (21.04 ug/l [14.0–30.7] vs. 17.8 ug/l [14.1–23.9], P = 0.35). ROS levels did not differ at Day 1 (24.2 nM [20.6–33.5] vs. 29.2 nM [22.7–69.2], P = 0.10) or at Day 2 (25.4 nM [21.7–37.4] vs. 47.3 nM [34.4–126.1], P = 0.95). IL‐6 concentrations did not differ at Day 1 (112.7 pg/ml [65.9–168.9) vs. 83.9 pg/ml [51.8–144.3], P = 0.41) or at Day 3 (55.0 pg/ml [34.2–115.6] vs. 49.3 pg/ml [34.4–126.1], P = 0.95). NSE levels did not differ at Day 1 (15.9 ug/l [9.0–24.3] vs. 15.3 ug/l [12.2–26.3], P = 0.62). There were no differences between groups in the incidence of pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

Higher fraction of inspired oxygen did not increase blood concentrations of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation or neurological injury or the incidence of pulmonary complications in severe TBI patients on mechanical ventilation.
Correlation of drought traits and the predictability of osmotic potential at full leaf turgor in vegetation from New Zealand
Authors: Esperón‐Rodríguez Manuel , Curran Timothy J. , Camac James S. , Hofmann Rainer W. , Correa‐Metrio Alexander , Barradas Víctor L.
Published: February 2018

Scientists do not know precisely how severe will be the impact of climate change on species. Evidence suggests that for some species, their future distributions might be jeopardized by local extinctions and drought‐induced tree mortality. Thus, we require models capable of estimating drought tolerance across many species. We can approach this goal by assessing functional traits. The trait osmotic potential at full turgor, πO, is potentially a good drought indicator; however, few studies address its importance as a drought‐tolerance predictor and it is difficult to measure in the field with accuracy. In this work, we aim to answer the questions: which drought traits correlate with πO?; do morpho‐anatomical traits correlate with πO?; and which trees and shrubs are more (or less) vulnerable to drought? To achieve this aim, we assessed physiological and morpho‐anatomical traits for 14 native species from New Zealand forests. We included leaf‐ and wood‐related traits, πO, water potential and stomatal conductance. We examined how these traits correlate with πOand sought to generate models to predict πOas a function of other traits. We tested 33 different models and evaluated them using Akaike's information criterion. Unfortunately, none of the morpho‐anatomical traits correlated well with πO. Instead, water potential correlated most strongly with πO. None of the models using only morpho‐anatomical traits produced plausible results. The model with the best predictive performance incorporated the effects of both morpho‐anatomical and physiological traits: water potential and wood saturated water content. Of the species analysed, and based on their πOresponse,Lophozonia menziesiiwas considered the most vulnerable to drought stress, whereasPlagianthus regiuswas the least vulnerable. Our findings imply that it is potentially valuable to keep exploring the use of πOas a drought indicator and that the effort required to measure some physiological traits, such as water potential, may be essential to consider plant drought responses and to predict πO.
Goat milk: Non‐invasive source for mammary epithelial cell isolation and in vitro culture
Authors: Saipin N. , Noophun J. , Chumyim P. , Rungsiwiwut R.
Published: February 2018

Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) used to study mammary gland function in vitro are typically isolated from mammary tissue. Breast milk offers an alternative source of MECs to replace mammary gland tissue. This study aimed to isolate and culture MECs from goat milk. Samples of fresh goat milk were collected from early and late‐lactating Saanen goats. Samples were subjected to isolation, culture and characterization for putative MECs. The cells adhered to the culture dishes 1 day after isolation and displayed a monolayer pattern, epithelial‐like cobblestone morphology, and formed alveoli‐like structures that are typical of MECs. We identified the epithelial origin of the isolated cell by staining with antibodies against cytokeratin 8, 18 and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, some of the isolated cells expressed the stem cell marker stage‐specific embryonic antigen‐4. The transcription of Capra hircus β‐casein (CNS2) gene, a candidate gene for analysis of lactational function, was detected in MECs after induced differentiation. In addition, green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐expressing cells could be generated from goat milk‐derived MECs. This study demonstrated that goat MECs can be easily isolated from milk samples collected from early and late‐lactating goats. Our MECs model could be an effective model for in vitro studies of milk synthesis and gene targeting in the goat mammary gland. Isolation of MECs from goat milk rather than mammary tissue improves animal welfare and can be used as a replacement for the animal in future studies.
Abstinence and reduced frequency of use are associated with improvements in quality of life among treatment‐seekers with cannabis use disorder
Authors: Brezing Christina A. , Choi C. Jean , Pavlicova Martina , Brooks Daniel , Mahony Amy L. , Mariani John J. , Levin Frances R.
Published: February 2018

Background And Objective

Many patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) do not achieve or do not have abstinence as a goal of treatment, rather they reduce their use. Assessing outcome measures as they relate to functioning and reductions in cannabis use is an important area of study. Quality of life (QoL) shows promise as one such measure. Past studies have demonstrated gender differences in QoL and CUD. We aim to assess (1) the relationship between cannabis use and QoL and (2) gender effects in an outpatient medication treatment study for CUD.

Methods

Data from an 11‐weeks, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of lofexidine and dronabinol for CUD (n = 62) was analyzed. Pearson's correlations between baseline QoL as measured with the Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire‐Short Form (QLES‐Q‐SF) and cannabis use assessed with modified timeline follow‐back (TLFB) were examined. Multiple linear regression models of cannabis use on end of study QLES‐Q‐SF were analyzed, while adjusting for baseline QLES‐Q‐SF, study arm, and gender. Moderation effects with gender were also tested.

Results

No significant association between baseline cannabis use and QoL was found. End of study abstinence (F1,47 = 8.34, p = .006) and reduced proportion of using days (F1,47 = 9.48, p = .004) were each significantly associated with end of study QoL. Reduction in grams (F1,27 = 0.25, p = .62) was not associated with QoL at end of study. Gender was not a significant moderator.

Discussion and Conclusions

Abstinence and lower frequency of use are associated with higher QoL, regardless of gender.

Scientific Significance

This is the first time QoL has been demonstrated to change over the course of CUD medication treatment. QoL is an important outcome in CUD treatment.

Trial Registration

NCT01020019. (Am J Addict 2018;27:101–107).
A review of brain stimulation methods to treat substance use disorders
Authors: Coles Alexandria S. , Kozak Karolina , George Tony P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a leading cause of disability worldwide. While several pharmacological and behavioral treatments for SUDs are available, these may not be effective for all patients. Recent studies using non‐invasive neuromodulation techniques including Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) have shown promise for SUD treatment.

Objective

Multiple studies were evaluated investigating the therapeutic potential of non‐invasive brain stimulation techniques in treatment of SUDs.

Method

Through literature searches (eg, PubMed, Google Scholar), 60 studies (2000–2017) were identified examining the effect of rTMS, tDCS, or DBS on cravings and consumption of SUDs, including tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants.

Results

rTMS and tDCS demonstrated decreases in drug craving and consumption, while early studies with DBS suggest similar results. Results are most encouraging when stimulation is targeted to the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC).

Conclusions

Short‐term treatment with rTMS and tDCS may have beneficial effects on drug craving and consumption. Future studies should focus on extending therapeutic benefits by increasing stimulation frequency and duration of treatment.

Scientific Significance

The utility of these methods in SUD treatment and prevention are unclear, and warrants further study using randomized, controlled designs. (Am J Addict 2018;27:71–91)
Postnatal depression in a community‐based study of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: March Wendy A. , Whitrow Melissa J. , Davies Michael J. , Fernandez Renae C. , Moore Vivienne M.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are susceptible to depression and anxiety and so may also be at risk for postnatal depression. This study investigates whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an elevated risk of postnatal depression.

Material and methods

Cross‐sectional data for parous women (n = 566) were available from a birth cohort. Polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. Details of reproductive history, pregnancy, birth, and postnatal depression were obtained through structured interview. Comparisons were made between women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome using logistic regression analysis, including the investigation of interactions.

Results

A positive but statistically non‐significant association was found between polycystic ovary syndrome and postnatal depression (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 0.9–2.9). Compared with their counterparts, women with polycystic ovary syndrome were substantially more likely: to have difficulty conceiving (odds ratio 5.2, 95% confidence interval 2.9–9.4), to have conceived with medical assistance (odds ratio 11.6, 95% confidence interval 5.5–24.4), and to have pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, or preeclampsia; odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.5). Where women with polycystic ovary syndrome had a history of miscarriage or conceived with medical assistance, the combination interacted (p = 0.06 and p < 0.05, respectively), with over half of such women having postnatal depression.

Conclusions

Although women with polycystic ovary syndrome may not have an excess risk of postnatal depression overall, those who had suffered a miscarriage or required medical assistance to conceive were at substantially elevated risk. Findings point to vulnerability inherent in polycystic ovary syndrome being amplified, either by stressful experiences on the pathway to pregnancy/childbirth or by specific fertility treatment regimens.
Risk factors for postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes after peeling of idiopathic epiretinal membranes among patients randomized for balanced salt solution and air‐tamponade
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Hirnschall Nino , Hackl Christoph , Döller Birgit , Varsits Ralph , Ullrich Marlies , Kefer Katharina , Karl Rigal , Findl Oliver
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are macular disorders leading to loss of vision and metamorphopsia. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling displays the gold standard of care. Aim of this study was to assess risk factors for postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes in a study population randomized for balanced salt solution and air‐tamponade at the end of surgery.

Methods

A prospective randomized study, including 69 eyes with idiopathic ERM. Standard 23‐gauge three‐port pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling, using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT), was performed. Randomization for BSS and air‐tamponade was performed prior to surgery.

Results

Best‐corrected visual acuity improved from 32.9 letters to 45.1 letters 3 months after surgery. Presence of preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes was found to be the only risk factor for presence of postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes 3 months after surgery (p = 0.01; odds ratio: 8.0). Other possible risk factors such as combined phacoemulsification with 23G‐ppv and membrane peeling (p = 0.16; odds ratio: 2.4), intraoperative subfoveal hyporeflective zones (p = 0.23; odds ratio: 2.6), age over 70 years (p = 0.29; odds ratio: 0.5) and air‐tamponade (p = 0.59; odds ratio: 1.5) were not found to be significant.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence that preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes lead to smaller benefit from surgery.