bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perimenstrual Exacerbation of Symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder: Evidence from Multilevel Models and the Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System
Authors: Eisenlohr-Moul Tory A. , Schmalenberger Katja M. , Owens Sarah A. , Peters Jessica R. , Dawson Danyelle N. , Girdler Susan S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from a constellation of rapidly shifting emotional, interpersonal, and behavioral symptoms. The menstrual cycle may contribute to symptom instability among females with this disorder.

Methods

Fifteen healthy, unmedicated females with BPD and without dysmenorrhea reported daily symptoms across 35 days. Urine luteinizing hormone (LH) and salivary progesterone (P4) were used to confirm ovulation and cycle phase. Cyclical worsening of symptoms was evaluated using (1) phase contrasts in multilevel models and (2) the Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System (C-PASS; Eisenlohr-Moul et al., 2017b), a protocol for evaluating clinically significant cycle effects on symptoms.

Results

Most symptoms demonstrated midluteal worsening, a perimenstrual peak, and resolution of symptoms in the follicular or ovulatory phase. Post-hoc correlations with person-centered progesterone revealed negative correlations with most symptoms. Depressive symptoms showed an unexpected delayed pattern in which baseline levels of symptoms were observed in the ovulatory and midluteal phases, and exacerbations were observed during both the perimenstrual and follicular phases. The majority of participants met C-PASS criteria for clinically significant (>=30%) symptom exacerbation. All participants met the emotional instability criterion of BPD, and no participant met DSM-5 criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Conclusions

Females with BPD may be at elevated risk for perimenstrual worsening of emotional symptoms. Longitudinal studies with fine-grained hormonal measurement as well as hormonal experiments are needed to determine the pathophysiology of perimenstrual exacerbation in BPD.
Daily activity and visual discrimination reflects the eye organization of weaver antOecophylla smaragdina(Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Mishra Monalisa , Bhadani Snigdha
Published: September 2017

The currently studied antOecophylla smaragdinais arboreal in nature. It shows unique property in terms of its nest building behavior using leaves of the tree. The ant uses its eye to locate the food and nest. Eye types vary among ants living in the different habitat. In this context, the structure of the eye, daily activity and the foraging behaviour ofO. smaragdinaare missing from the literature. For the first time, the current study discovers: (1) the antO. smaragdinaforage in fully lighted condition. (2)The eye structure shows that the eye is adapted to a diurnal lifestyle.(3) The daily activity is proportional to the temperature of the surroundings. The study significantly correlates the role of vision in the foraging behaviour ofO. smaragdina. The daily activity is further associated with the surrounding light and ambient temperature. The current study uncovers the structure of the eye and eye-related behaviour of the animal not described in earlier studies.
A Mechanism of ATF5 Anti-Apoptotic Action that Promotes Leukemia Cells Survival
Authors: Persengiev Stephan P.
Published: September 2017

ATF5 transcription factor was found to play an essential role in hematopoietic cell survival and neuronal cell differentiation. Pro-survival activities of ATF5 are believed to be a result of its ability to inhibit apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic function of ATF5 is almost certainly carried out by regulating gene transcription, but information concerning its target genes has been missing. Here, we report the identification of cyclin D3 as an essential target of ATF5, and provide evidence that its upregulation is critical for the realization of ATF5-induced inhibition of apoptosis. Functional analysis confirmed the association of cyclin D3 with leukemia cells resistance to apoptosis and ATF5-induced splenic dysplasia in transgenic mice. These data link cyclin D3 cell cycle regulatory functions with the apoptotic machinery and reveal a potentially important facet of ATF5 biology.
Interphase Human Chromosome Exhibits Out of Equilibrium Glassy Dynamics
Authors: Shi Guang , Liu Lei , Hyeon Changbong , Thirumalai D.
Published: September 2017

The structural organization of the condensed chromosomes is being revealed using chromosome conformation capture experiments and super-resolution imaging techniques. Fingerprints of their three-dimensional organization on length scale from about hundred kilo base pairs to millions of base pairs have emerged using advances in Hi-C and super-resolution microscopy. To determine the poorly understood dynamics of human interphase chromosomes, we created the Chromosome Copolymer Model (CCM) by representing the chromosomes as a self-avoiding polymer with two loci types corresponding to euchromatin and heterochromatin. Using advanced clustering algorithms we establish quantitatively that the simulated contact maps for chromosomes 5 and 10 and those inferred from Hi-C experiments are in agreement. Ward Linkage Matrix (WLM), constructed from spatial distance information, shows that the Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) and compartments predicted from simulations are in agreement with inferred WLM computed using data from super-resolution microscopy experiments. Glassy dynamics is manifested in the stretched exponential relaxation of the structure factor and caging in the mean square displacement of individual loci, ∆i(t) ∼tαwith 0 <α< 1. Remarkably, the distribution ofα, is extremely broad suggestive of highly heterogeneous dynamics, which is also reflected in the large cell-to-cell variations in the contact maps. Chromosome organization is hierarchical involving the formation of chromosome droplets (CDs) on short genomic scale followed by coalescence of the CDs, reminiscent of Ostwald ripening. We propose that glassy landscapes for the condensed active chromosomes might provide a balance between genomic conformational stability and biological functions.
Nanomechanical Analysis of Extracellular Matrix and Cells in Multicellular Spheroids
Authors: Vyas Varun , Solomon Melani , D’Souza Gerard G.M. , Huey Bryan D.
Published: September 2017

Nanomechanical investigation with Atomic Force Microscope has revealed new details regarding various nanomechanical heterogeneities for cells that are embedded in extracellular matrix in Multicellular spheroidal culture. This investigation sheds new insight into dynamic relationship of cells with their surrounding environment in tumors and 3D multicellular cultures.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of cancer biology and has opened new avenues towards understanding nanomechanical variations in rapidly growing tumors. Over the last decade Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has played an important role in understanding nanomechanical properties of various cancer cell lines. This study is focused on Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cell (LLC) tumors as 3D multicellular spheroid (MS). Such multicellular structures have enabled investigation of various components of tumors in-vitro. To better comprehend mechanical properties of cells and its surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), depth dependent indentation measurements were conducted with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Force-vs-indentation curves were used to create stiffness profiles as function of depth. Here studies were focused on outer most layer i.e. proliferation zone of the spheroid. AFM investigations of sample a MS revealed three nanomechanical topographies, Type A- high modulus due to collagen stress fibers, Type B- high stiffness at cell membrane & ECM interface and Type C - increased modulus due to cell lying deep inside matrix at the a depth of 1.35 microns. Various nanomechanical heterogeneities revealed in this investigation can shed new light in developing correct dosage regime for various tumor dissolving drugs and designing more controlled artificial extracellular matrix systems for replicating tissue growth in-vitro.

Short Statistical Summary

This article describes nanomechanical characteristics of the cells embedded in extracellular matrix in a multicellular spheroid. The paper contains 6350 words including title page and references. Graphical Content contains 46 words. This article contains 6 Figures and zero tables.
Proteomic Characterization of the Venom Of FiveBombus (Thoracobombus)Species
Authors: Barkan Nezahat Pinar , Bayazit Mustafa Bilal , Demiralp Özel Duygu
Published: September 2017

Venomous animals use venom; a complex biofluid composed of unique mixtures of proteins and peptides, to act on vital systems of the prey or predator. In bees, venom is solely used for defense against predators. However, the venom composition of bumble bees (Bombus sp.) is largely unknown.Thoracobombussubgenus ofBombus sp.is a diverse subgenus represented by 14 members across Turkey. In this study, we sought out to proteomically characterize the venom of fiveThoracobombusspecies by using bottom-up proteomic techniques. We have obtained two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel (2D-PAGE) images of each venom sample. We have subsequently identified the protein spots by using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization / time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). We have identified 47 proteins forBombus humilis; 32 forB. pascuorum, 60 forB. ruderarius; 39 forB. sylvarumand 35 forB. zonatus. Our analyses provide the primary proteomic characterization of five bumble bee species’ venom composition.
QuiXoT: quantification and statistics of high-throughput proteomics by stable isotope labelling
Authors: Trevisan-Herraz Marco , Jorge Inmaculada , Bonzon-Kulichenko Elena , Navarro Pedro , Vázquez Jesús
Published: September 2017

In most software tools for quantification of mass spectrometry-based proteomics by stable isotope labelling (SIL), there is a recurrent disconnection between the use of a statistical model and convenient data visualisation to check correct data modelling. Most of them lack a robust statistical framework, using models which do not account for the major difficulties in proteomics, such as the unbalanced peptide-protein distribution, undersampling, or the correct separation of sources of variance. This makes especially difficult the interpretation of quantitative proteomics experiments. Here we present QuiXoT, an extensively tested quantification and statistics open source software based on a robust and extensively validated statistical model, the WSPP (weighted spectrum, peptide, and protein). Its associated software package allows the user to visually represent and inspect results at all modelled levels (scan, peptide and protein) on routine bases. It is applicable to practically any SIL method (SILAC, iTRAQ, and18O among others) or MS instrument.
Integrated pathogen load and dual transcriptome analysis of systemic host-pathogen interactions in severe malaria
Authors: Lee Hyun Jae , Walther Michael , Georgiadou Athina , Nwakanma Davis , Stewart Lindsay B. , Levin Michael , Otto Thomas D. , Conway David J. , Coin Lachlan J. , Cunnington Aubrey J.
Published: September 2017

The pathogenesis of severePlasmodium falciparummalaria is incompletely understood. Since the pathogenic stage of the parasite is restricted to blood, dual RNA-sequencing of host and parasite transcripts in blood can reveal their interactions at a systemic scale. Here we identify human and parasite gene expression associated with severe disease features in Gambian children. Differences in parasite load explained up to 99% of differential expression of human genes but only a third of the differential expression of parasite genes. Co-expression analyses showed a remarkable co-regulation of host and parasite genes controlling translation, and host granulopoiesis genes uniquely co-regulated and differentially expressed in severe malaria. Our results indicate that high parasite load is the proximal stimulus for severeP. falciparummalaria, that there is an unappreciated role for many parasite genes in determining virulence, and hint at a molecular arms-race between host and parasite to synthesise protein products.
Non-invasive measurement of hepatic venous oxygen saturation (ShvO2) with quantitative susceptibility mapping in normal mouse liver and livers bearing colorectal metastases
Authors: Finnerty E. , Ramasawmy R. , O’Callaghan J. , Connell J. , Lythgoe M. F. , Shmueli K. , Thomas D. , Walker-Samuel S.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the potential of QSM to non-invasively measure hepatic venous oxygen saturation (ShvO2).

Materials & Methods

All animal studies were performed in accordance with the UK Home Office Animals Science Procedures Act (1986) and UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) guidelines. QSM data was acquired from a cohort of mice (n=10) under both normoxic (medical air, 21% O2/ balance N), and hyperoxic conditions (100% O2). Susceptibility measurements were taken from large branches of the portal and hepatic vein under each condition and were used to calculate venous oxygen saturation in each vessel. Blood was extracted from the IVC of three mice under norm- and hyperoxic conditions, and oxygen saturation was measured using a blood gas analyser to act as a gold standard. QSM data was also acquired from a cohort of mice bearing colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). SvO2was calculated from susceptibility measurements made in the portal and hepatic veins, and compared to the healthy animals.

Results

SvO2calculated from QSM measurements showed a significant increase of 14.93% in the portal vein (p < 0.05), and an increase of 21.39% in the hepatic vein (p < 0.01). Calculated results showed excellent agreement with those from the blood gas analyser (26.14% increase). ShvO2was significantly lower in the disease cohort (30.18 ± 11.6%), than the healthy animals (52.67 ± 17.8%) (p < 0.05), but differences in the portal vein were not significant.

Conclusion

QSM is a feasible tool for non-invasively measuring hepatic venous oxygen saturation and can detect differences in oxygen consumption in livers bearing colorectal metastases.
Isolation of phosphate solubilizingPseudomonasstrains from apple rhizosphere in the Trans Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Ranjna , Pal Joginder , Kaur Mohinder
Published: September 2017

Total fifteen phosphate solubilizing bacteria were isolated from rhizosphere soil of apple tree on Kings’ B medium belonging to genusPseudomonasspp. They were characterized on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics. Preliminary selection as phosphate solubilizing bacteria were done on the basis of formation of transparent zone around the colony on Pikovskaya’s agar medium containing 0.5% triclcium phosphate (TCP). Maximumin vitrophosphate solubilization on Pikovskaya’s agar plates after 72h incubation at 28°C was shown by An-15-Mg (46 mm), whereas in case of broth, again this strain showed maximum tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization (76 μg/ml). The pH of each inoculated broth was recorded daily and dropped significantly (pH 7.0-3.99). All thePseudomonasisolates were further evaluated for overall plant growth promoting traits. Greatest siderophore activity was exhibited by An-14-Mg (71.23 %SU) followed by An-15-Mg (70.12 %SU) which were statiscally at par with each other. Whereas, maximum IAA production was observed again in An-15-Mg (95 μg/ml). This isolate also showed the maximum production of HCN and ammonia. 16S rDNA and phylogenetic analysis showed that strain An-15-Mg exhibits 99% level of similarity withPseudomonas aeruginosa.Therefore, it was designated asPseudomonas aeruginosastrain An-15-Mg. HPLC analysis showed that thePseudomonas aeruginosastrain An-15-Mg produced maximum concentration of succinic acid, malonic, citric and malic acid with small amounts of schimic, quinic, tartaric, fumaric and lactic acids. The strain An-15-Mg possessed phosphate solubilization as major PGP trait along with different PGP traits. The potential phosphate solubilizing strain ofPseudomonas aeruginosawas reported first time as PGPR which lives in close association with apple tree without harming the plant, therefore could be used as a promising phosphate solubilizer and biofertilizer in apple crop grown in high hills of Himachal Pradesh.

Authors contribution

All authors made significant efforts towards the completion of this research work and preparation of manuscript timely. Author Ranjna Sharma has done collection of soil samples of apple tree from two districts, isolation and characterization of phosphate solubilizingPseudomonasisolates and their screening for different PGPT’s, phenotypic characteriazation, 16S rRNA analysis and statistical analysis. Author S P Singh has done HPLC analysis at their institute. Author Ankita has done sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree preparation. Author Mohinder Kaur is my mentor and generated idea regarding this work. She guided me in completing this work successfully as well as manuscript writing.
Deep learning diffusion fingerprinting to detect brain tumour response to chemotherapy
Authors: Roberts Tom A. , Hipwell Ben , Agliardi Giulia , d’Esposito Angela , Taylor Valerie , Lythgoe Mark F. , Walker-Samuel Simon
Published: September 2017

Artificial neural networks are being widely implemented for a range of different biomedical imaging applications.Convolutional neural networks are by far the most popular type of deep earning architecture,but often require very large datasets for robust training and evaluation We introduce deep learning diffusion fingerprinting (DLDF), which we have used to classifydiffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging voxels in a mouse model of glioblastoma (GL261 cell line), both prior to and in response to Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy.We show that, even with limited training, DLDF can automatically segment brain tumours from normal brain, can automatically distinguish between young and older (after 9 days of growth) tumours and that DLDF can detect whether or not a tumour has been treated with chemotherapy.Our results also suggest that DLDF can detect localised changes in the underlying tumour microstructure, which are not evident using conventional measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).Tissue category maps generated by DLDF showed regions containing a mixture of normal brain and tumour cells, and in some cases evidence of tumour invasion across the corpus callosum, which were broadly consistent with histology.In conclusion, DLDF shows the potential for applying deep learning on a pixel-wise level,which reduces the need for vast training datasets and could easily be applied to other multi-dimensional imaging acquisitions

Abbreviations

ANN

artificial neural network

CT

x-ray computed tomography

PET

positron emission tomography

CNN

convolutional neural network

HARDI

high angular resolution diffusion weighted imaging

NODDI

neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging

VERDICT

vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumours

DLDF

deep learning with diffusion fingerprinting

TMZ

Temozolomide

PFA

paraformaldehyde

H&E

hematoxylin and eosin

GFAP

glial fibrillary acidic protein
Potassium 3-formyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-olate monohydrate
Authors: Moriwaki Ryoji , Haraguchi Tomoyuki , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: September 2017

The title salt, K+·C13H9O2−·H2O, was synthesized from 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and a phenylboronic acid derivative using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction (Miyaura & Suzuki, 1979). In addition to the intermolecular interactions between the charged species, two O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the isolated water molecules further stabilize the crystal packing of the title salt leading to the formation of a three-dimensional framework structure.
Corrosion and inhibition of N80 steel in 5% HCl solution by SA1-3
Authors: Zhao Liqiang , Zhu Yanhua , Liu Pingli , Zhang Jian , Liu Yigang
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the corrosion behavior and possibility of inhibition by corrosion inhibitor SA1-3 in acidizing solution (5 per cent hydrochloric acid [HCl] solution). The study aims to explain the mechanism of corrosion and inhibition of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution to provide theoretical basis for expanding the range of application of N80 steel in acidification process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for a laboratory study using simulation of acidizing solution to do the experiments. The results of experiments including weight-loss method, electrochemical method and surface analysis were used to explain the mechanism of corrosion and inhibition so as to predict the dissolution progress of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution with and without inhibitor SA1-3.

Findings

This paper provides theoretical insights about how to inhibit the corrosion behavior of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution. It suggests that the corrosion inhibitor which can form a protective film on the steel surface should be used to expand the application of N80 steel in acidizing solution. The inhibitor SA1-3 is a kind of cathodic corrosion-controlling inhibitor which mainly inhibits cathode corrosion; it cannot change the corrosion mechanism of N80 steel.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical basis for the corrosion behavior and inhibition mechanism of N80 steel in acidizing solution.
Effect of passivation on chloride concentration threshold of steel reinforcement corrosion
Authors: Bouzeghaia Nora , Mihi Abdelkader , Aït-Mokhtar Abdelkarim , Naoun Mahieddine
Published: September 2017

Purpose

When concrete is manufactured, it can be instantaneously contaminated by chloride (Cl−) ions or later by their intrusion from the environment. This work aims to study the electrochemical behavior of the passive layer formed on the reinforcing steel surface in the presence of the same Cl− ion concentration, with and without passivation time. This will, undoubtedly, affect the corrosion threshold values thereafter.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical polarizations were carried out in two concrete pore solutions. The surfaces of samples immersed for 255 days in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution were examined with optical and scanning electron microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy.

Findings

Cl− ion origins in reinforced concrete lead to different values of corrosion thresholds. The passive layer behaves like a physicochemical barrier, and corrosion occurs at higher NaCl concentration thresholds. The formed passive film on the steel surface shows differences in the chemical composition and the morphology. The results show a rich presence of hematite. Maghemite, lepidocrocite, akaganeite and goethite are also present in much lower concentrations. The Cl− ion presence in fresh concrete at the beginning of the manufacture harms the good formation and the good stability of these oxides, leading to corrosion initiation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of the passive layer role, not only in reducing the corrosion rate value but also in reconsidering new Cl− ion corrosion threshold values.
Open innovation in the public sector
Authors: Venturini Karen , Verbano Chiara
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify and improve the framework assessing the evolution and importance of the technological, human, social and financial resources of an Indian research-based spin-off (RBSO) throughout its four stages of development by Vohoraet al.(2004).

Design/methodology/approach

The open innovation (OI) phenomenon is spreading among public organizations. One of the OI practices used by the public research centers to market their technologies is to set up new business entities called RBSOs. Many studies have focused on spin-offs but there are still some gaps. To overcome the existing limitations, the authors built a framework which they tested on three previous case studies.

Findings

The results obtained show how a parent organization and its incubator can play fundamental roles in creating and developing a successful RBSO. This is done by supplying managerial staff and providing access to skills, funds and other material and immaterial resources.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are related to the sectoral and geopolitical factors of the single case analyzed. For this reason, the observations that emerge should be supported by other empirical analyses.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can offer a better understanding of the spin-off life to managers, researchers, public organizations and government agencies. They can learn how to improve policies and practices of technology transfer and strengthen the national industrial system.
A numerical study of the axisymmetric rotational stagnation point flow impinging radially a permeable stretching/shrinking surface in a nanofluid
Authors: Roşca Natalia C. , Pop Ioan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze numerically the steady axisymmetric rotational stagnation point flow impinging on a radially permeable stretching/shrinking sheet in a nanofluid.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity transformation is used to convert the system of partial differential equations into a system of ordinary (similarity) differential equations. This system is then reduced to a system of first-order differential equations and solved numerically using the bvp4c function in MATLAB software.

Findings

Dual solutions exist when the surface is stretched, as well as when the surface is shrunk. For these solutions, a stability analysis is carried out revealing that the first solution (upper branch) is stable and physically realizable, while the second solution (lower branch) is unstable and therefore not physically realizable.

Originality/value

The present results are original and new for the study of fluid flow and heat transfer over a stretching/shrinking surface, as they successfully extend the problem considered by Weidman (2016) to the case of nanofluids.
Policies and mechanisms to address climate-induced migration and displacement in Pacific and Caribbean small island developing states
Authors: Thomas Adelle , Benjamin Lisa
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aims to assess policies and mechanisms in Caribbean and Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) that address climate-induced migration and displacement. The migration of communities away from vulnerable regions is highly likely to be an adaptation strategy used in low-elevation SIDS, as the impacts of climate change are likely to result in significant loss and damage, threatening their very territorial existence. SIDS must ensure that residents relocate to less vulnerable locations and may need to consider international movement of residents.Ad hocapproaches to migration and displacement may result in increased vulnerability of residents, making the development and enforcement of comprehensive national policies that address these issues a necessity.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiators for SIDS as well as analysis of secondary data, including Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, are utilized to determine policies and mechanisms in place that focus on climate-induced migration and displacement.

Findings

While climate change is acknowledged as an existential threat, few SIDS have policies or mechanisms in place to guide climate-induced migration and displacement. Potential exists for migration and displacement to be included in policies that integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation along with national sustainable development plans. Regional bodies are beneficial to providing guidance to SIDS in the development of nationally appropriate frameworks to address climate-induced migration and displacement.

Originality/value

Existing gaps in policies and mechanisms and challenges faced by SIDS in developing strategies to address climate-induced migration and displacement are explored. Best practices and recommendations for strategies for SIDS to address migration and displacement are provided.
Role of integration-segmentation on work-family interface of insurance sector employees in India
Authors: Padhi Mousumi , Pattnaik Snigdha
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Researchers have used different approaches to understand how individuals combine work with family, one being boundary and transition management. However, very few studies have focussed on empirically examining the role of individual boundary management style on work-family experience. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by examining the role of integration-segmentation on work-family conflict (WFC) and work-family enrichment (WFE). Two secondary purposes are to explore gender differences in work-family experiences and to examine the relationship between WFC and WFE.

Design/methodology/approach

The predictor variable in the primary study is integration (with two levels segmented and integrated). Different measures of WFC and WFE are criterion variables. Survey method was used to collect data from 156 life insurance professionals including 64 women employees in India. The average age of the sample is 35 years (SD=6.56). Boundary strategy of integration or segmentation between work and family is determined by measuring similarity in resource priority between work and family. Median split technique is used to delineate the groups.

Findings

The study has three key findings: employees with integrated boundary strategy report greater levels of both WFC and WFE; no gender differences exist in the experience of WFC and WFE; and WFC and WFE were found to be unrelated to each other.

Originality/value

The paper empirically studies the role of boundaries on WFC and WFE of insurance employees. It is a response to researchers’ call to integrate boundary theory with spillover theory and examine the role of integration-segmentation.
Leveraging ambitions and barriers: Glasgow universities and the 2014 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Kennelly Millicent , Corbett Halley , Toohey Kristine
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why and how universities in the Glasgow region sought to leverage the 2014 Commonwealth Games to achieve their own benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth qualitative case study, utilising documentary evidence and in-depth interviews, was employed to examine how Glasgow universities leveraged the Games, and the outcomes they sought.

Findings

Universities sought to leverage the 2014 Commonwealth Games to garner a range of benefits, including increased brand awareness, student and staff development opportunities, new or improved infrastructure, and strengthened stakeholder relationships. Leveraging strategies included developing relationships with other Games’ stakeholders to establish and participate in collaborations, committees, and research consortia, hosting ancillary events, and hosting teams on training camps. However, data revealed substantial barriers to effective leveraging, such as insufficient resourcing and lack of leadership, and consequently several interviewees conveyed a sense of missed opportunities.

Practical implications

The results can inform universities located in host regions about the opportunities and challenges to strategically leveraging an event. Also, if event organisations understand the leveraging ambitions of event stakeholders, such as universities, they can better facilitate and manage their relationships with such stakeholders to maximise event benefits in the host region.

Originality/value

This research considers the leveraging activities of a previously un-researched event stakeholder group (universities) that have the potential to deliver benefits that reach students, staff, and industry interest groups in event host communities. The knowledge contributed could aid universities in future event host regions to strategically leverage to maximise the benefits of major sport events.
A bird without wings
Authors: Smith Rebecca G. , Lee Joseph Tse-Hei
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The five-decade-long Chinese colonialization of Tibet has led to a refugee flow. No longer confined to the Tibetan Plateau, Tibetans are scattered over the world, placing deep roots in host nations, in cities stretching from Oslo to New York City. Faced with new ideas, cultures and ways of life, diasporic Tibetans confront the same challenges as countless refugees before them. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efforts of Tibetan New Yorkers to preserve their language and culture. To what extent should they integrate themselves into host countries? What mechanisms could they use to hold onto their native heritage without isolating themselves in a foreign environment? How should they construct new diasporic identities and reconcile such efforts with their ongoing political struggles?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on documentary sources and interviews to examine the ways in which diasporic Tibetans understood and portrayed the conventional categories of language, cultural heritage and religion, especially with respect to the Tibetan Government-in-exile in India, and in which they maintained and reinvented their linguistic and cultural heritage in the cosmopolitan environment of New York City.

Findings

There is a gradual process of identity formation among Tibetan New Yorkers. While exiled Tibetans are asserting their agency to reinvent a new sense of belonging to America, they still hold onto the regional identity of their family households. Meanwhile, the US-born younger generations strengthen their ties with the larger Tibetan diaspora through community events, socio-cultural activism and electronic media.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the small sample size, this study presents the first investigation of the Tibetan New Yorkers, and it provides an insider’s perspective on the efforts to preserve their native heritage in a globalized environment.

Practical implications

This study is a useful case study of the Tibetan diasporas in comparison with other Chinese diasporas in the West and beyond.

Originality/value

This study is the first scholarly investigation of the sociocultural experiences of Tibetan New Yorkers.
Navigating Christian and Chaozhou identities: the life and career of Lin Zifeng (1892-1971)
Authors: Kam Wing-hin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how both Lin’s birthplace identity and his Christian identity contributed to his fruitful public career and to ascertain which identity became the most significant.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival research is the main method used in this paper. The most important archives drawn from are the Daniel Tse Collection in the Special Collection and Archives of the Hong Kong Baptist University Library. Oral history has also been used in this paper to uncover more material that has not yet been discussed in existing scholarly works.

Findings

This paper argues that although Lin’s birthplace identity and social networks helped him to start his business career in Nam Pak Hong and develop into a leader in the local Chaozhou communities, these factors were insufficient to his becoming a respectable member of the Chinese elite in post-war Hong Kong. He became well known not because of his leading position in local Chaozhou communities or any great achievement he had obtained in business but because of his contribution to the development of Christian education. These achievements earned him a reputation as a “Christian educator”. Thus Lin’s Christian identity became more important than his birthplace identity in contributing to his successful public career.

Originality/value

This paper has value in showing how Christian influences interacted with various cultural factors in early Hong Kong. It also offers insights into Lin’s life and motivations as well as the history of the institutions he contributed to/founded. It not only furthers our understanding of the Chinese Christian business elite in early Hong Kong but also provides us with insights when further studying this group of people in other British colonies in Asia.
Rethinking the political participation of Hong Kong Christians
Authors: Ng Ka Shing
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Christian-affiliated social groups and leaders have been active and vocal in movements advocating democracy, equality and social justices. Christians are also specular in the “July 1st Protest” in 2003 and “Umbrella Movement” in 2014. Are Christians, in general, more politically active in Hong Kong? This paper aims to examine these questions from a quantitative viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the effects of religion and other socio-demographic factors on both electoral and non-electoral participation based on data from the World Value Survey 2013 Hong Kong data set.

Findings

Interest in politics and education level are strong predictors of both electoral and non-electoral participation in Hong Kong. Confidence in government is negatively associated with political participation. Religious affiliation is not a predictor of any kinds of political participation. The effects of interest in politics are greater among Protestants and Catholics than people with no religion.

Research limitations/implications

While previous surveys show that Christians have a strong presence in political participation, the results suggest that being a Christian is not statistically related to a higher level of political participation. On the other hand, affiliating to Christian churches may provide necessary resources (e.g. networks, skills and knowledge) only to those members who are already interested in politics and thereby facilitate their political participation.

Originality/value

Based on national sample data, this study debunks the public perception that “Christianity is politically active” and suggests the possible role of churches in mobilizing politically interested members into political activities.
A revised trait‐based framework for agroecosystems including decision rules
Authors: Damour Gaëlle , Navas Marie L. , Garnier Eric
Published: September 2017

Designing agroecological cropping systems, which have enhanced biodiversity and that improve agroecosystem services, is recognized as the most likely method of improving the environmental sustainability of agriculture. However, tools and methods for designing such systems are lacking.

To help to fill this gap, we propose a revised trait‐based response/effect framework as applied to agroecosystems, which takes into account farmers’ decision rules.

The framework consists of a “Biophysical module”, which describes the biophysical functioning of the agroecosystem on a response/effect traits basis and a “Decision module”, which encompasses the farmer's choices that follow decision rules, to account for the high degree of human control of filters and community structure operating in cultivated systems.

The introduction of the Decision module and its interactions with the Biophysical module opens new research priorities related to trade‐offs between services, to species choice and to the relationships between the community composition, functional structure and the functions.

Synthesis and applications. We proposed a revised trait‐based response/effect framework as applied to agroecosystems, which incorporates farmers’ decisions. This framework has great potential to address questions related to the strategic choices associated with multispecies cropping system design, from plant (species choices) to community (optimization of community composition) scales. It also contributes to improving the rationale to manage multifunctional agroecosystems, which extend beyond yield alone, by enabling the exploration of trade‐offs between ecosystem services.
Opioid receptors mediate inotropic and depressor effects of apelin in rats with 2K1C‐induced chronic renovascular hypertension
Authors: Rostamzadeh Farzaneh , Najafipour Hamid , Yeganeh‐Hajahmadi Mahboobeh , Joukar Siyavash
Published: September 2017

Apelin receptors (APJ) cross‐talk with other G‐protein‐coupled receptors. However, the role of APJ interaction with opioid receptors (OPR) on the cardiovascular effects of apelin in hypertension is not clear. Renovascular hypertension was induced by placing a Plexiglas clip on the left kidney of rats. After 16 weeks, F13A (an APJ antagonist), naloxone (a general OPR inhibitor), and nor‐binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor‐BNI; a selective inhibitor of KOR) were given prior to injections of apelin at doses of 40 and 60 μg/kg. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular contractility responses were then evaluated. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure in sham and 2K1C rats was 110/71 mm Hg and 171/124 mm Hg, respectively. The hypotensive effects of apelin at both doses were inhibited by F13A and naloxone. Nor‐BNI completely inhibited the effects of apelin 40 on arterial pressure, and decreased the effects of 60 μg/kg. KOR inhibition also prevented the compensation for the decrease in the left ventricle +dp/dt max and −dp/dt max caused by apelin 60. The simultaneous inhibition of OPR and APJ reduced arterial pressure and increased cardiac contractility. Findings showed that the OPR, particularly KOR, mediate the inotropic, lusitropic, and depressor effects of apelin. The interaction of the OPR and APJ augments the inotropic and vasodepressor effects of apelin. This interaction may have potential clinical applications in cardiac failure since opioids are currently used in the treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke, and apelin has been introduced as a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular complications.
President Donald Trump: A Case Study of Spectacular Power
Authors: Lynch Thomas
Published: September 2017

Donald Trump's election as president certainly startled many, though not all political observers. In this article, I offer my own observation that Mr Trump's election represents a developmental progression of America's electoral system from a political process to an entertainment process. The effect of the office of the president now is to distract and entertain. I will aim to convince readers that his election as America's president is not an anomaly, but rather represents how the politics of image and representation now work as an everyday event and should be treated as part of a reality that we should now take for granted.
Clinical, endoscopic and histological correlation and measures of association in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Fluxá Daniela , Simian Daniela , Flores Lilian , Ibáñez Patricio , Lubascher Jaime , Figueroa Carolina , Kronberg Udo , Pizarro Gonzalo , Castro Magdalena , Piottante Antonio , Vial María T. , Quera Rodrigo
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between clinical, fecal, endoscopic and histological activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A correlational cross‐sectional analysis was performed in patients with UC who underwent colonoscopy between February and December 2016. Clinical, endoscopic, fecal and histological activities were determined using the partial Mayo subscore, Mayo endoscopic subscore and modified Mayo endoscopic subscore, fecal calprotectin and Geboes score and the presence of basal plasmacytosis, respectively. Scores were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. To determine the association between scores and some clinical variables and active UC, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used.

RESULTS

Altogether 105 procedures (93 patients) were included. In 64.8% of the procedures, the mucosa was inflamed; however, 14.7% did not show histological inflammation. Endoscopic remission was observed in the other 35.2% of procedures; however, in biopsies 21.6% exhibited histological inflammation. Mayo endoscopic subscore and modified Mayo endoscopic score were well correlated but were only moderately correlated with clinical and histological scores. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between Mayo endoscopic score and Geboes score. Conversely, histological scores were poorly correlated with partial Mayo score. In multivariate analysis, Geboes score and basal plasmacytosis were predictive of active disease (OR 3.505, 95% CI 1.544–7.959 and OR 3.240, 95% CI 1.123–9.349, respectively), whereas biological therapy was found to be protective against UC (OR 0.021, 95% CI 0.000–0.641).

CONCLUSION

Clinical, endoscopic and histological activities were moderately correlated, while Geboes score and basal plasmacytosis were predictive of endoscopically active UC.
Market share growth and stock returns
Authors: Chowdhury Jaideep , Sonaer Gokhan , Celiker Umut
Published: September 2017

We find a negative relationship between market share growth and subsequent stock returns, three‐ and four‐factor alphas. We report the potential explanatory role of market share growth in explaining subsequent average monthly stock returns. High (Low) market share growth firms report good (poor) operating performance and positive (negative) SUEs in the quarter in which market share growth is measured and investors overact to that good (bad) news. However, high (low) market share growth firms experience decrease (increase) in operating performance and SUEs in the subsequent quarters resulting in corrections in investors’ expectations and subsequent lower (higher) stock returns.
Hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (HyFoSy): Tolerability, safety and the occurrence of pregnancy post‐procedure
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Chua Jackie , Cincotta Robert , Ballard Emma L. , Duncombe Gregory
Published: September 2017

Background

Fallopian tube patency testing is an essential part of infertility evaluation. Hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) has been described as reliable, well tolerated and safe compared to other modalities such as laparoscopy and a dye test or hysterosalpingography. Limited availability of the previously used contrast has led to the introduction of a foam contrast agent as an alternative.

Aims

To assess the tolerability, safety and occurrence of pregnancy post‐procedure of hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (HyFoSy).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women who had a HyFoSy at Queensland Ultrasound for Women from March 2013 to February 2015. A questionnaire was sent to their referring doctor to identify any complications or subsequent pregnancies with or without artificial reproductive technology (ART) within six months of the HyFoSy.

Results

Of 200 women, four cases were abandoned due to difficulty introducing the intracervical catheter, severe discomfort or a vasovagal episode. Response from referring doctors for 155 women reported no post‐procedural complication. One hundred and eleven women were followed up for at least six months. Twenty‐four out of 59 women (40.7%) who had ART and 24 out of 52 women (46.2%) who did not have ART conceived. Fifty percent of women who were nulligravida at the time of investigation, found to have at least one patent fallopian tube, whose partner had a normal semen analysis, spontaneously conceived within the time of follow up.

Conclusions

HyFoSy is well tolerated and safe. A preponderance of pregnancies in the first month after HyFoSy suggests that a therapeutic effect may exist.