bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining the Application of Microbial Lipids as Tracers of Staphylococcus aureus Growth Rates in Cystic Fibrosis Sputum
Authors: Neubauer Cajetan , Kasi Ajay S. , Grahl Nora , Sessions Alex L. , Kopf Sebastian H. , Kato Roberta , Hogan Deborah A. , Newman Dianne K.
Published: June 2018

Chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) could be treated more effectively if the effect of antimicrobials on pathogens in situ were known. Here, we compared changes in the microbial community composition and pathogen growth rates in longitudinal studies of CF patients undergoing intravenous antibiotic administration during pulmonary exacerbations. Microbial community composition was measured by NanoString DNA analysis and growth rates were obtained by incubating CF sputum with heavy water and tracing incorporation of deuterium into two different anteiso fatty acids (a-C15:0 and a-C17:0) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Prior to this study, both lipids were thought to be specific for Staphylococcaceae and hence their isotopic enrichment was interpreted as a growth proxy for S. aureus. Our experiments revealed, however, that Prevotella is also a relevant microbial producer of a-C17:0 fatty acid in some CF patients, thus deuterium incorporation into these lipids is better interpreted as a more general pathogen growth rate proxy. Even accounting for a small non-microbial background source detected in some patient samples, a-C15:0 fatty acid still appear to be a relatively robust proxy for CF pathogens, revealing a median generation time of ~1.5 days, similar to prior observations. Contrary to our expectations, pathogen growth rates remained relatively stable throughout exacerbation treatment. We suggest two best practices for application of stable isotope probing in CF sputum: (1) parallel determination of microbial community composition in CF sputum using culture-independent tools, and (2) analysis of samples with a minimum a-C15:0 concentration of 0.1 weight percent of saturated fatty acids.

IMPORTANCE

In chronic lung infections, populations of microbial pathogens change and mature in ways that are often unknown, which makes it challenging to identify appropriate treatment options. A promising tool to better understand the physiology of microorganisms in a patient is stable-isotope probing, which we previously developed to estimate the growth rates of S. aureus in cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum. Here, we tracked microbial communities in a cohort of CF patients and found that anteiso fatty acids can also originate from other sources in CF sputum. This awareness led us to develop an new workflow for the application of stable isotope probing in this context, improving our ability to estimate pathogen generation times in clinical samples.
Bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper IUD users: A prospective study
Authors: Sanders Jessica N , Adkins Daniel E , Kaur Simranvir , Storck Kathryn , Gawron Lori M , Turok David K
Published: June 2018

Objective

We assess change in bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper (Cu) IUD users during the first six months of use, and evaluate the impact of bleeding and cramping on method satisfaction.

Methods

We recruited 77 women ages 18–45 for this prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. Eligible women reported regular menses, had no exposure to hormonal contraception in the last three months, and desired a Cu IUD for contraception. We collected data prospectively for 180 days following IUD insertion. Monthly, Participants reported bleeding scores using the validated pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), IUD satisfaction using a five-point Likert scale, and cramping using a seven-level ordinal scale. We used multiple imputation to address nonrandom attrition. Structural equation models for count and ordered outcomes modeled bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction growth curves over the six monthly repeated assessments.

Results

Bleeding significantly decreased (approximately 25%) over the course of the study from an estimated PBAC=195 at one month post-insertion to PBAC=151 at six months (t=−2.38, p<0.05). Additionally, IUD satisfaction improved over time (t=2.65, p<0.01), increasing from between “Neutral” and “Satisfied” to “Satisfied”, over the six month study. Cramping decreased sharply over the six-month study from between biweekly and weekly, to once or twice a month (t=−4.38, p<0.001). Finally, bleeding, but not cramping, was associated with IUD satisfaction (study mean: t=−2.31, p<0.05; study end: t=−2.81, p<0.01).

Conclusions

New Cu IUD users reported decreasing bleeding and cramping, and increasing IUD satisfaction, over the first six months. Method satisfaction was negatively associated with bleeding.
Validation of an automated segmentation algorithm for lower leg MR images, applied to sodium quantification
Authors: Greer Jasmine M. , Wang Ping , Deger Serpil Muge , Alsouqi Aseel , Ikizler T. Alp , Titze Jens M. , Rogers Baxter P.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To develop and validate an automated segmentation algorithm for the lower leg using a multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging protocol.

Methods

An automated algorithm combining active contour and intensity-based thresholding methods was developed to identify skin and muscle regions from proton Dixon MR images of the lower leg. Tissue sodium concentration was then computed using contemporaneously acquired sodium images with calibrated phantoms in the field of view. Resulting sodium concentration measurements were compared to a gold standard manual segmentation in 126 scans.

Results

Most cases had no observable errors in segmentation of muscle and skin. Six cases had minor errors that were not expected to affect quantification; in the worst, 126 mm2(2%) of a muscle area of 8,042 mm2was misclassified. In one case the algorithm failed to separate the tibia from the muscle compartment. Correlation between automated and manual measurements of sodium concentration was R2= 0.84 for skin, R2= 0.99 for muscle. Additionally, the RMSE was 2.4mM for skin and 0.5mM for muscle; the observed physiological range was 8.5 to 37.4mM.

Conclusion

For the purpose of estimating sodium concentrations in muscle and skin compartments, the automated segmentations provided equally accurate results compared to the more time-intensive manual segmentations. Sodium quantification serves as a biomarker for disease progression, which would assist with early diagnostic treatments. The proposed algorithm will improve workflow, reproducibility, and consistency in such studies.
Metal-independent ribonucleotide reduction powered by a DOPA radical in Mycoplasma pathogens
Authors: Srinivas Vivek , Lebrette Hugo , Lundin Daniel , Kutin Yuri , Sahlin Margareta , Lerche Michael , Eirich Jürgen , Branca Rui M. M. , Cox Nicholas , Sjöberg Britt-Marie , Högbom Martin
Published: June 2018

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the only known de-novo pathway for production of all four deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA synthesis. In aerobic RNRs, a di-nuclear metal site is viewed as an absolute requirement for generating and stabilizing an essential catalytic radical. Here we describe a new group of RNRs found in Mollicutes, including Mycoplasma pathogens, that possesses a metal-independent stable radical residing on a modified tyrosyl residue. Structural, biochemical and spectroscopic characterization reveal a stable DOPA radical species that directly supports ribonucleotide reductionin vitroandin vivo.

The cofactor synthesis and radical generation processes are fundamentally different from established RNRs and require the flavoprotein NrdI. Several of the pathogens encoding this RNR variant are involved in diseases of the urinary tract and genitalia. Conceivably, this remarkable RNR variant provides an advantage under metal starvation induced by the immune system. We propose that the new RNR subclass is denoted class Ie.
Time-delay model of perceptual decision making in cortical networks
Authors: Bielczyk Natalia Z. , Piskała Katarzyna , Płomecka Martyna , Radziński Piotr , Todorova Lara , Foryś Urszula
Published: June 2018

It is known that cortical networks operate on the edge of instability, in which oscillations can appear. However, the influence of this dynamic regime on performance in decision making, is not well understood. In this work, we propose a population model of decision making based on a winner-take-all mechanism. Using this model, we demonstrate that local slow inhibition within the competing neuronal populations can lead to Hopf bifurcation. At the edge of instability, the system exhibits ambiguity in the decision making, which can account for the perceptual switches observed in human experiments. We further validate this model with fMRI datasets from an experiment on semantic priming in perception of ambivalent (male versus female) faces. We demonstrate that the model can correctly predict the drop in the variance of the BOLD within the Superior Parietal Area and Inferior Parietal Area while watching ambiguous visual stimuli.

Author summary

Human cortex is a complex structure composed of thousands of tangled neural circuits. These circuits exhibit multiple modes of activity, depending on the local balance between excitatory and inhibitory activity. In particular, these circuits can exhibit oscillatory behavior, which is believed to be a manifestation of a so-called criticality: balancing on the edge between stable and unstable dynamics. Circuits in the cortex are responsible for higher cognitive functions such as, in example, perceptual decision making, i.e., evaluating properties of objects appearing in the visual field. However, it is not well known how aforementioned balancing on the edge of instability influences perceptual decision making.

In this work, we build a model to simulate dynamics of a very simple decision-making network consisting of two subpopulations. We then demonstrate that criticality in the network can account for ambiguity in decision making, and cause perceptual switches observed in human experiments. We further validate our model with datasets coming from a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging experiment on semantic priming in perception of ambivalent (male versus female) faces. We demonstrate that the model can correctly predict the drop in the variance of the BOLD within the parietal areas of the cortex while watching ambiguous visual stimuli.
Genome-wide identification of functional tRNA-derived fragments in Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 brain
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Hejian , Zheng Ling , Li Hong , Feng Chengqiang , Zhang Wensheng
Published: June 2018

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have been linked previously to the development of various diseases, such as cancer and viral infection. However, tRFs seem also related to brain aging and related diseases, especially Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. RNA sequencing, a state-of-the-art technology, has allowed for investigation of tRFs in this field. In this study, we investigated the changes of tRFs in the brains of a senescence-accelerated mouse model, senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), that show age-dependent deficits in learning and memory; and a control model, senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1), with normal aging, both at 7 months of age. A total of 570 tRF transcripts were discovered. Among these transcripts, 8, including 3 upregulated and 5 downregulated transcripts, were differentially expressed in the SAMP8 mice. Then, we obtained 110 potential target genes in a miRNA-like pattern. GO survey implicated these target genes in the function of various aspects, e.g. postsynaptic density (GO: 0014069). Furthermore, we assessed in detail those tRFs whose miRNA-like pattern was most likely to affect the progression of either Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, such as AS-tDR-011775 acting onMobpandPark2. In fact, we found the tRFs to be involved in the regulation of gene expression by means other than the miRNA-like pattern. Therefore, these 8 dysregulated tRFs may hold consequences far into the future and can be attractive biomarkers and valid targets. In brief, our study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis on tRFs in SAMP8 mouse brain, and this breakthrough identified promising new targets for preventing the age-related changes of brain and the therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Differential development of retroactive and proactive interference during post-learning wakefulness
Authors: Brawn Timothy P. , Nusbaum Howard C. , Margoliash Daniel
Published: June 2018

Newly encoded, labile memories are prone to disruption during post-learning wakefulness. Here we examine the contributions of retroactive and proactive interference to daytime forgetting on an auditory classification task in a songbird. While both types of interference impair performance, they do not develop concurrently. The retroactive interference of task-B on task-A developed during the learning of task-B, whereas the proactive interference of task-A on task-B emerged during subsequent waking retention. These different time courses indicate an asymmetry in the emergence of retroactive and proactive interference and suggest a mechanistic framework for how different types of interference between new memories develop.
Cued fear memory generalization increases over time
Authors: Pollack Gabrielle A. , Bezek Jessica L. , Lee Serena H. , Scarlata Miranda J. , Weingast Leah T. , Bergstrom Hadley C.
Published: June 2018

Fear memory is a highly stable and durable form of memory, even over vast (remote) time frames. Nevertheless, some elements of fear memory can be forgotten, resulting in generalization. The purpose of this study is to determine how cued fear memory generalizes over time and measure underlying patterns of cortico-amygdala synaptic plasticity. We established generalization gradients at recent (1-d) and remote (30-d) retention intervals following auditory cued fear conditioning in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Results revealed a flattening of the generalization gradient (increased generalization) that was dissociated from contextual fear generalization, indicating a specific influence of time on cued fear memory performance. This effect reversed after a brief exposure to the novel stimulus soon after learning. Measurements from cortico-amygdala imaging of the activity-regulated cytoskeletalArc/arg 3.1(Arc) protein using immunohistochemistry after cued fear memory retrieval revealed a stable pattern ofArcexpression in the dorsolateral amygdala, but temporally dynamic expression in the cortex. Over time, increased fear memory generalization was associated with a reduction inArcexpression in the agranular insular and infralimbic cortices while discrimination learning was associated with increasedArcexpression in the prelimbic cortex. These data identify the dorsolateral amygdala, medial prefrontal, and insular cortices as loci for synaptic plasticity underlying cued fear memory generalization over time.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-(tert-butylamino)-4-(tert-butylimino)naphthalen-1(4H)-one
Authors: Lamoureux Guy , Alvarado-Rojas Mónica , Pineda Leslie W.
Published: June 2018

The title compound, C18H24N2O, is the first example of a naphthoquinone imine derivative isolated in the 4-imine/2-amine tautomeric form having bulky alkyl substituents at the N atoms. The molecular conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the amine and a carbonyl group and by London attraction between the two tert-butyl groups. Only van der Waals interactions were identified in the crystal packing.
cis-Bromidobis(1,2-diaminoethane-κ2
N,N′)(ethylamine-κN)cobalt(III) dibromide
Authors: Manimaran S. , Manjunathan M. , Govindan E. , Sambathkumar K. , Anbalagan K.
Published: June 2018

In the title complex, [CoBr(C2H7N)(C2H8N2)2]Br2, the CoIII centre has a distorted octahedral coordination environment, and is surrounded by four N atoms in the equatorial plane, with an additional N atom and the Br atom occupying the axial positions. The complex is isostructural with the Cl compound for which the X-ray structure has also been reported [Anbalagan, Mahalakshmi & Ganeshraja (2011). J. Mol. Struct. 1005, 45–52]. In the crystal, the complex cation and the two counter-anions are linked via N—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
The country of origin effect: a hedonic price analysis of the Chinese wine market
Authors: Hu Lala , Baldin Andrea
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the country of origin (COO) effect on wine purchase in China by considering a sample from an e-commerce website. The paper contribute to the literature on hedonic pricing by applying this model to the Chinese market and including COO as product attribute.

Design/methodology/approach

A hedonic price model is adopted to measure the effect of search attributes on wine sales in China. A reduced form of the classical hedonic analysis is used as in Nerlove (1995), given the assumption that prices and attributes are taken as exogenous to consumers.

Findings

Results show that the COO represents the attribute that most influences wine sales in China. Protected indicators of origin, which denote wine with recognised certificates, are also significant, reinforcing the importance of the production area. Vintage attribute does not impact sales, suggesting a low level of consumer experience with wine.

Research limitations/implications

The study suffers from the limitations of results’ generalisability, given the size and characteristics of the sample. In the future research, the model should be tested on a larger sample. Moreover, it can be applied on other products, in which COO represents an information and quality cue.

Practical implications

Firms operating in sectors where COO implies specific characteristics of quality should enhance this attribute in their marketing strategies to increase their competitive advantage. Also policy implications with respect to the governmental actions to support wine producers are discussed.

Originality/value

Hedonic price analysis represents a well-established model; however, to the best of the authors’ knowledge it has never been used in China before. This study also highlights the primary role of COO as search attribute in wine purchase.
FEMA’s fall and redemption—applied narrative analysis
Authors: Drennan Lex
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recover the narratives constructed by the disaster management policy network in Washington, DC, about the management of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Recovering and analysing these narratives provides an opportunity to understand the stories constructed about these events and consider the implications of this framing for post-event learning and adaptation of government policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted through an extended ethnographic study in Washington, DC, that incorporated field observation, qualitative interviews and desktop research.

Findings

The meta-narratives recovered through this research point to a collective tendency to fit the experiences of Hurricane Katrina and Sandy into a neatly constructed redemption arc. This narrative framing poses significant risk to policy learning and highlights the importance of exploring counter-narratives as part of the policy analysis process.

Research limitations/implications

The narratives in this paper reflect the stories and beliefs of the participants interviewed. As such, it is inherently subjective and should not be generalised. Nonetheless, it is illustrative of how narrative framing can obscure important learnings from disasters.

Originality/value

The paper represents a valuable addition to the field of disaster management policy analysis. It extends the tools of narrative analysis and administrative ethnography into the disaster management policy domain and demonstrates how these techniques can be used to analyse complex historical events.
Economic pluralism in the study of wage discrimination: a note
Authors: Drydakis Nick
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Economic pluralism proposes that economists and social planners should consider alternative theories to establish a range of policy actions. Neoclassical, Feminist and Marxian theories evaluate well-grounded causes of wage discrimination. However, a reluctance to consider less-dominant theories among different schools of economic thought restricts analysis and proposed policies, resulting in a monism method. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a brief review of the theoretical literature on wage discrimination. The significance of a pluralistic analysis is demonstrated by addressing correspondence test patterns of wage discrimination.

Findings

In considering Neoclassical, Feminist and Marxian theories, racist attitudes, uncertainties regarding minority workers’ productivity and power relations in lower-status sectors might generate discriminatory wages. Each cause deserves corresponding policy action.

Research limitations/implications

Time is needed to provide a pluralistic evaluation of wage discrimination. In addition, pluralism requires rigorous investigations to avoid incoherencies. Pluralism might be jeopardised if there is a limited desire to engage with less-dominant theoretical frameworks. Also, pluralism might be misled with rejection of dominant theories.

Practical implications

Given pluralism, wage discrimination might be reduced by implementing equality campaigns, creating low-cost tests to predict workers’ productivity and abolishing power relations towards minority workers.

Originality/value

Little work has been on economic pluralism in the study of wage discrimination. The current study addresses the gap in the literature.
What drives hiring discrimination against transgenders?
Authors: Van Borm Hannah , Baert Stijn
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanisms underlying hiring discrimination against transgender women.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a scenario experiment in which fictitious hiring decisions are made about transgender or cisgender female job candidates. In addition, these candidates are scored on statements related to theoretical reasons for hiring discrimination given in the literature. The resulting data are analysed by means of a multiple mediation model.

Findings

The results suggest that prejudices with respect to the health of transgender individuals mediate unfavourable treatment of them. However, this mechanism is compensated by a beneficial perception concerning transgender women’s autonomy and assertiveness.

Social implications

Targeted policy measures are needed given the substantial labour market discrimination against transgender individuals measured in former studies. However, to combat this discrimination effectively, one needs to understand its underlying mechanisms. This study provides a first exploration of these mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study innovates in being the first to explore the relative empirical importance of dominant (theoretical) explanations for hiring discrimination against transgender women. Thereby, the authors take the logical next step in the literature on labour market discrimination against transgender individuals.
Organizational positioning and planning of sustainability initiatives
Authors: Rodriguez Rocio , Svensson Göran , Eriksson David
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the logic and differentiators of organizational positioning and planning of sustainability initiatives between private and public organizations in the healthcare industry. Sustainability initiatives refer to organizations’ economic, social and environmental actions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an inductive approach judgmental sampling and in-depth interviews of executives at private and public hospitals in Spain have been used. Data were collected from the directors of communication at private hospitals, and from the executive in charge of corporate social responsibility in public hospitals. An empirical discourse analysis is used.

Findings

The positioning and planning of sustainability initiatives differs between private and public hospitals. The former consider sustainability as an option that is required mainly for social reasons, a bottom-up positioning and planning. It emerges merely spontaneously within the organization, while the sustainability initiatives in public hospitals are compulsory. They are imposed by the healthcare system within which the public hospital, operates and constitutes a top-down positioning and planning that is structured to accomplish set sustainability goals.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that it is undertaken exclusively in Spanish organizations from one industry. This study differs from previous ones in terms of exploring the positioning and planning of the sustainability initiatives, which focus on the organizational logic of such sustainability initiatives. There are both common denominators and differentiators between private and public hospitals.

Practical implications

The logic of determining the positioning and planning of the sustainability initiatives is mainly about satisfying organizational needs and societal demands. Nowadays, organizations tend to engage in sustainability initiatives, so it is essential to understand the logic of how organizations position and plan such efforts.

Originality/value

This study investigates the path that follows sustainability initiatives in public and private organizations. It reports mainly differentiators between private and public organizations. It also contributes to explaining the organizational reasoning as to why companies make decisions about sustainability initiatives, an issue which has not been addressed sufficiently in existing theory studies.
Squeeze film characteristics of Ferro-coupled stress inertial fluids in conical plates
Authors: Daliri Maghsood , Javani Nader
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate squeezing motion between conical plates lubricated by ferro-fluid couple stress lubricants considering convective fluid inertia effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon the Stokes couple stress theory, Ferro-hydrodynamic model of Shliomis and averaged inertia principle, squeeze film characteristics between conical plates are obtained.

Findings

According to the results, it is found that couple stress ferro-fluid lubricants increase squeeze film characteristics. Moreover, with increasing convective fluid inertia parameter, the squeeze film characteristics are increased. In contrast, the dimensionless load-carrying capacity diminishes when half cone angle of conical plate increases.

Originality/value

This paper is relatively original and it describes the squeeze film characteristics between conical plates with ferro-fluid, convective inertia, couple stresses and half cone angle of conical plate effects.
Course design investigation and trial on the subject of self-regulated learning using video content and online report submission
Authors: Nakabayashi Kiyoshi
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to propose and evaluate a course design to promote university students’ understanding and intentional use of the concept and strategy of self-regulated learning (SRL).

Design/methodology/approach

The course is designed on the basis of the experiential learning model. It is intended that the students reflect and conceptualize their own learning experience and prior knowledge by combining them with SRL theory. The course design exploits TV documentaries describing junior high school students struggling to achieve good results, as well as online essay submissions with which university students are expected to interpret the documentaries from the viewpoint of SRL theory. All the submitted essays are distributed to students to give them a chance to compare their own ideas with those in the essays written by other students to deepen their thoughts.

Findings

The course was taken by first-year university students. The results of a questionnaire administered to 112 students indicate that the students could associate their own experience with SRL theory and deepen their understanding on SRL.

Originality/value

Compared with previous intervention procedures, the course design activating student’s own leaning experience through TV documentary viewing and essay submission would be an effective, efficient and practical way especially for university and adult students to make them aware of and able to use SRL theory.
The creativity of authors in defining the concept of information
Authors: Rocchi Paolo , Resca Andrea
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The concept of information is central to several fields of research and professional practice. So many definitions have been put forward that complete inventory is unachievable while authors have failed to reach a consensus. In the face of the present impasse, innovative proposals could rouse information theorists to action, but literature surveys tend to emphasize the common traits of definitions. Reviewers are inclined to iron out originality in information models; thus the purpose of this paper is to discover the creativity of authors attempting to define the concept of information and to stimulate the progress of studies in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Because the present inquiry could be influenced and distorted by personal criteria and opinions, the authors have adopted precise criteria and guidelines. It could be said the present approach approximates a statistical methodology.

Findings

The findings of this paper include (1) The authors found 32 original definitions of information which sometimes current surveys have overlooked. (2) The authors found a relation between information theories and advances in information technology. (3) Overall, the authors found that researchers take account of a wide variety of perspectives yet overlook the notion of information as used by computing practitioners such as electronic engineers and software developers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors comment on some limitations of the procedure that was followed. Results 1 and 3 open up new possibilities for theoretical research in the information domain.

Originality/value

This is an attempt to conduct a bibliographical inquiry driven by objective and scientific criteria; its value lies in the fact that final report has not been influenced by personal choice or arbitrary viewpoints.
AssessingSukukdefaults using value-at-risk techniques
Authors: Alam Nafis , Bhatti Muhammad , Wong James T.F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the default characteristics of Sukuk issues by corporate firms in Malaysia using value-at-risk (VaR) techniques over a period of 16 years from 2000 to 2015 and across nine economic sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs non-parametric and Monte Carlo simulations to estimate Sukuk defaults.

Findings

The authors analyses revealed that the VaR predictions were fairly consistent with the ratings provided by credit rating agencies, despite the limited tradability of Sukuk in the secondary market. The study was able to demonstrate that Sukuk is not riskier than conventional bonds in the Malaysian context.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings suggested that VaR values will depend on the fundamental value of a firm based on the considerations of market, credit and operational risk. It does not rely on the type of debt instrument, whether a Sukuk or conventional bonds.

Practical implications

The use of Sukuk along with conventional bonds as debt instruments creates opportunities for investors and bond issuers globally.

Originality/value

Although Sukuk has generated much interest among financial market players, studies are lacking on how to predict Sukuk defaults and whether Sukuk has the same risk profile compared to conventional bonds.
White grape juice added with Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. probiotic culture
Authors: Okina Vivian Sayuri , Porto Maria Rita Alaniz , Pimentel Tatiana Colombo , Prudencio Sandra Helena
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the probiotic addition (Lactobacillus paracasei ssp.) on the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of white grape juice during refrigerated storage (4°C/28 days). This paper also aims to evaluate the survival of the probiotic culture in the product and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two formulations of white grape juices were evaluated, one with 2 per cent of probiotic culture addition and the other of pure juice.

Findings

The addition of probiotic culture resulted in products with a darker-reddish coloration (L* = 30.6-30.8 and a* = 0.6-0.9) and a lower content of total phenolic compounds (599-697 µg EAG mL−1) (p = 0.05). However, it improved the color stability and maintained the antioxidant activity 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (p > 0.05). The viability of the probiotic culture (>109 colony forming unit · 200 mL−1) in the juice was maintained during 21 days of storage, but in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the functional properties could be guaranteed during the 28 days of refrigerated storage.

Practical implications

The white grape juice is a suitable medium for incorporation of Lactobacillus paracasei.

Originality/value

The survival of the probiotic cultures to the simulated gastrointestinal tract may be significant, even if the product does not have the recommended minimum counts.
Effect of decortication methods on the chemical composition, antinutrients, Ca, P and Fe contents of two pearl millet cultivars during storage
Authors: Babiker Elfadil , Abdelseed Babiker , Hassan Hayat , Adiamo Oladipupo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of modern and traditional decortication methods on the chemical composition, antinutrients, Ca, P and Fe contents during storage of two pearl millet cultivars (white and green) grown in Sudan.

Design/methodology/approach

The grains of each cultivar were either decorticated traditionally using traditional stone dehuller or by using modern dehuller. The chemical composition, antinutrients and Ca, P and Fe contents of the cultivars were evaluated during storage for six months.

Findings

The results showed that both methods of decortication (modern and traditional) employed significantly decreased ash, protein, oil and crude fiber contents but increased moisture and nitrogen free extract contents of the grains for both cultivars. Storage resulted in a slight and gradual decrease in the chemical composition of the treated and untreated grains of the cultivars. Modern decortication of the grains significantly (P=0.05) reduced tannin content in both cultivars compared to untreated and traditionally decorticated grains. Phytic acid content of the white cultivar was not affected by the method of decortication used but modern decortication reduced that of green cultivar. Decrease in tannin and phytic acid was observed as the storage continued in both treated and untreated cultivars. Decortication significantly (P=0.05) reduced the Ca, P and Fe contents in both cultivars grains. Lower P and Fe contents were found in modern decorticated grains compared to traditional decorticated ones. Storage of the cultivars resulted in gradual decrease in Ca, P and Fe contents.

Research limitations/implications

Processing methods such as decortication affect the quality attributes of pearl millet cultivars. The application of modern decortication method on pearl millet cultivars has better quality attributes than those treated with traditional decortication.

Originality/value

The study uses decortication methods (traditional and modern) to improve the quality attributes of pearl millet cultivars. Antinutrients such as tannin and phytic acid were observed to reduce the bioavailability of minerals like Fe. Decortication of the grains significantly reduced the level of such antinutrients and improved bioavailability of minerals.
Guselkumab, an anti‐interleukin‐23 monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis in Japanese patients: Efficacy and safety results from a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Kubo Hiroshi , Morishima Hitomi , Goto Ryosuke , Zheng Richuan , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: June 2018

Previous global studies of guselkumab have demonstrated clinical benefits in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this 52‐week, phase 3 study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of guselkumab in Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis. Patients randomly received guselkumab 50 mg or 100 mg at weeks 0, 4 and every 8 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to guselkumab 50 mg or 100 mg at week 16. Co‐primary end‐points were the proportion of patients achieving Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) cleared/minimal (0/1) and 90% or more improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI‐90) at week 16. Overall, 192 patients were randomized to placebo, guselkumab 50 mg or 100 mg. At week 16, patients in the placebo group were crossed over to guselkumab 50 mg or 100 mg. At week 16, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher proportion of patients receiving guselkumab 50 mg and 100 mg versus placebo achieved IGA 0/1 (92.3% and 88.9% vs 7.8%) and PASI‐90 (70.8% and 69.8% vs 0%). Patients in guselkumab 50 mg and 100 mg groups achieved significant improvement versus placebo in PASI‐75 (89.2% and 84.1% vs 6.3%, P < 0.001) at week 16; improvement was maintained through week 52. Incidences of treatment‐emergent adverse events were comparable among the groups through week 16; the most commonly reported was nasopharyngitis. No new safety concerns were observed until week 52. In conclusion, guselkumab treatment demonstrated superior efficacy over placebo and was well tolerated in Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis.
So Close, but so Far? The Davies Commission and the Contested Politics of UK Airport Expansion
Authors: Griggs Steven , Howarth David
Published: June 2018

Aviation expansion and the construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport is firmly back on the political agenda. Yet, the stark fact remains that a growing list of British governments has been unable to engineer a partial or temporary policy settlement in aviation. In exploring the challenges of reaching such a settlement, this article characterises the shifting and contested political and policy contexts of UK aviation. It begins by exploring the ‘wicked issue’ of aviation expansion before foregrounding how the politics of air travel is riven by competing policy frames, fragmented governance and the absence of gatekeepers. It argues that the Davies Commission and its efforts to remove aviation from the domain of partisan politics provided little more than a temporary respite for government. It thus concludes by questioning whether the May government's expansion proposals will succeed this time around, outlining how the contributions in this collection address the themes and issues of this overriding policy puzzle.
I am one of them: Examining crisis communication from an intergroup communication approach
Authors: Ma Liang
Published: June 2018

This study took an intergroup communication approach and examined how two types of social identities, namely organizational identity and shared ethnic identity with the victim, affect publics’ reactions to a crisis. Data collected via a quasi‐experiment showed that organizational identity affects publics’ reactions, such that internal publics perceive the organization more positively and have less negative word‐of‐mouth intention. Internal publics feel guilty even if they are not personally responsible for the crisis. Publics do not react more negatively when their ethnic ingroup members are accidentally victimized. Organizations should mitigate the internal publics’ anger and guilt and also clarify that the crisis is nonethnicity‐related when the victims happen to be ethnic minorities to avoid any misunderstanding of victims’ ethnic ingroup members.
Natural Products for the Prevention and Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Liu Qing , Meng Xiao , Li Ya , Zhao Cai‐Ning , Tang Guo‐Yi , Li Sha , Gan Ren‐You , Li Hua‐Bin
Published: June 2018

Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen that induces chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and other gastric disorders, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. To eradicate H. pylori infection, triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor is the most widely recommended first‐line therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics contained in triple therapy could lead to therapeutic regimen failures. Recent studies showed that many natural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, possess inhibitory effects on H. pylori, indicating their potential to be alternatives to prevent and manage H. pylori infection. This review summarizes the effects of natural products on H. pylori infection and highlights the mechanisms of action.
Organisational responses to climate change: do collaborative forums make a difference?
Authors: Green Melissa , Leonard Rosemary , Malkin Sarah
Published: June 2018

Innovative and effective responses to climate change require that we move beyond reliance on government to include organisations spanning different sectors, such as not‐for‐profit, private, and community groups. Interactions among these organisations in collaborative networks—or “forums”—may provide important mechanisms to successfully address climate change impacts. This paper investigates the relationships between organisational participation and involvement in forums and responses to climate change. Survey data show that people from many organisations are participating in forums and using these meeting points to discuss climate change, even when forums are intended to serve other purposes. The data suggest that participation in any type of forum is related to organisational responses to climate change. Attributes such as type of organisation and knowledge of climate change issues were also found to be related to organisational responses to climate change but these became less important when climate change was discussed in forums. The results of the research suggest that a practical way to increase the volume and variety of organisational responses to climate change may be to encourage participation in forums and/or to influence existing networks to incorporate more discussions of climate change issues.
Enological Qualities and Interactions Between Native Yeast and Lactic Acid Bacteria from Queretaro, Mexico
Authors: Miranda‐Castilleja Dalia E. , Martínez‐Peniche Ramón Á. , Nadal Roquet‐Jalmar Montserrat , Aldrete‐Tapia J. Alejandro , Arvizu‐Medrano Sofía M.
Published: June 2018

Despite the importance of strain compatibility, most of the enological strain selection studies are carried out separately on yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this study, the enological traits and interactions between native yeasts and LAB were studied. The H2S and acetic acid production, growth rates at 8 °C, killer phenotypes, flocculation, and tolerance to must and wine inhibitors were determined for 25 Saccharomyces yeasts. The ability to grow under two wine‐like conditions was also determined in 37 LAB (Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum). The yeast–LAB compatibility of selected strains was tested in a sequential scheme. Finally, microvinification trials were performed using two strains from each group to determine the efficiencies and quality parameters. The phenotypic characterization by the K‐means and hierarchical clusters indicated a correlation between flocculation and optical density increase in simulated must and wine medium (r = −0.415) and grouped the prominent yeasts SR19, SR26, and N05 as moderately flocculent, killer, acid producing, and highly tolerant strains. Among the LAB, L. plantarum FU39 grew 230% more than the rest. With regard to interactions, LAB growth stimulation (14‐fold on average) due to the previous action of yeasts, particularly of SR19, was observed. The final quality of all wines was similar, but yeast SR19 performed a faster and more efficient fermentation than did N05, Also L. plantarum FU39 fermented faster than did O. oeni VC32. The use of quantitative data, and multivariate analyses allowed an integrative approach to the selection of a compatible and efficient pair of enological yeast–LAB strains.

Practical Application

An alternative scheme is proposed for the joint selection of yeast and lactic acid bacteria strains, which allows us to foresee the interactions that may occur between them during winemaking. The kinetic parameters, turbidimetrically measured and analyzed by multivariate methods, simplify the detection of outstanding selectable microorganisms. This methodology can be implemented at any cellar or even any fermentative industry that aims to select compatible yeast and lactic acid bacteria.
Are Processed Bilberry Products a Good Source of Phenolics?
Authors: Zorenc Zala , Veberic Robert , Mikulic‐Petkovsek Maja
Published: June 2018

Bilberries are processed into different food products and beverages. Therefore, we studied how various bilberry items (puree, infusion, liqueur, and fresh and pasteurized juices) differ in secondary metabolites as compared to the fresh fruit. For this purpose, we identified phenolics with a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrophotometry (LC‐MS) system and compared phenolic profiles and phenolic contents in various bilberry products prepared from the same raw material. Our results show that processing significantly affected the biochemical pattern and levels of phenolics. Total analyzed phenolics decreased with processing, mostly due to anthocyanins, which had the highest share in phenolic profile of all bilberry‐based products. The highest differences among products in flavanol (63.7‐fold), followed by flavonol contents (26.3‐fold). Fresh fruits had the highest content of total anthocyanins (5,190 mg/100 g dry weight [DW]), followed by puree (2,719 mg/100 g DW), infusion (2,469 mg/100 g DW), and liqueur (1,830 mg/100 g DW), whereas fresh and pasteurized juices had the lowest content of total anthocyanins (921 and 1,099 mg/100 g DW).

Practical Application

Although we confirmed the common belief among consumers that the consumption of fresh berries is more beneficial than consuming processed products, this study showed that various bilberry‐derived products can also be valuable source of phenolic compounds all year round.
Association between proton pump inhibitors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shao Y.‐H. J. , Chan T.‐S. , Tsai K. , Wu S.‐Y.
Published: June 2018

Background

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been reported to be associated with liver damage and might possibly be carcinogenic.

Aims

We examined whether long‐term PPI use increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients without viral hepatitis B or C.

Methods

We conducted a nested case‐control study in a cohort of patients without viral hepatitis in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. In total, 29 473 HCC cases and 294 508 matched controls were included. Moreover, we identified prescriptions for PPI and durations between the PPI index date and cancer diagnosis date (or the corresponding date in controls).

Results

The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for HCC associated with PPI use was 2.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.69‐3.04). Considering the use of PPIs determined according to cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) subgroups, a dose‐response effect was observed in patients exposed to 29‐180, 181‐240, 241‐300, and 300+ cDDDs of PPIs. The AORs were 2.74 (95% CI, 2.57‐2.93), 2.98 (95% CI, 2.50‐3.56), 3.23 (95% CI, 2.59‐4.02), and 3.43 (95% CI, 2.94‐4.00) in the 29‐180, 181‐240, 241‐300, and 300+ cDDD groups, respectively, compared with the 0‐28 cDDD group. A sensitivity analysis revealed a consistent association between PPI use and the risk of HCC in subpopulations stratified by risk factors associated with HCC.

Conclusions

This observational study demonstrated that PPIs might increase the risk of HCC.