bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rodent seed predators and a dominant grass competitor affect coexistence of co‐occurring forb species that vary in seed size
Authors: Maron John L. , Hajek Karyn L. , Hahn Philip G. , Pearson Dean E.
Published: August 2018

Propagule size and number often vary by several orders of magnitude among co‐occurring plant species. Explaining the maintenance of this variation and understanding how propagule size contributes to coexistence remain a central challenge for community ecologists. The dominant paradigm is that a competition–colonization trade‐off maintains interspecific variation in seed size, but empirical support is limited and other coexistence mechanisms, such as size‐dependent seed predation, have not been examined.

We examined how seed size, fecundity, and other functional traits of 18 co‐occurring perennial forbs trade‐off with both vulnerability to rodent seed predation and competitive response to a community‐dominant perennial bunchgrass. We added seeds of these species to 1 m2 plots at 10 sites where we factorially manipulated rodent seed predation and competition from the community dominant, Festuca campestris. For a given plot, seeds of each species were added at densities that reflected the fecundity (i.e., per capita seed production) for each species. Moreover, we varied total seed density among plots by adding seeds at one of five relative densities (0, 0.25. 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 times each species’ fecundity) to examine how fecundity affected overall recruitment for each species.

There was a trade‐off between seed size and fecundity, as expected, but larger seed size was also associated with greater plant height, lower C/N ratios, and lower water use efficiency, suggesting that seed size represented a “resource acquisitive” trait syndrome (as quantified by trait principal component scores).

In the field experiment, the suppressive effects of seed predation on seed recruitment rate increased with increasing seed size. In contrast, smaller seeded species with less resource‐acquisitive traits were more negatively affected by competition from F.  campestris than were species with more resource acquisitive traits.

Synthesis. While the competition–colonization trade‐off has been the predominant mechanism thought to maintain coexistence among species that vary in fecundity and seed size, our work suggests that susceptibility to rodent seed predation and competitive response to community dominants represent alternative mechanisms that can differentially influence plant recruitment of species based on their seed size and associated traits.
Reproductive traits as predictors of assembly chronosequence patterns in epiphyllous bryophyte metacommunities
Authors: Sierra Adriel M. , Toledo José Julio , Salazar Allen Noris , Zartman Charles E.
Published: August 2018

Understanding the mechanisms underlying species assembly is a central focus of plant ecology and is crucial to revealing how plant communities are structured. However, the temporal limitations of most terrestrial plant communities preclude collection of species assembly data in a tractable time‐frame.

The aim of this study is to investigate the importance of dispersal potential, as estimated by interspecific variation in sexual and asexual expression, as a predictor of patch chronosequence assembly for epiphyllous (leaf‐inhabiting) bryophytes. Secondarily, we investigate whether spatiotemporal patterns in patch turnover and compositional variation infer evidence of local (within‐patch) population processes. The frequency and distribution of 55 epiphyllous bryophytes across five leaf age classes were studied on an understorey shrub Piper grande (Piperaceae) in premontane Panamanian tropical forest. Logistical models were used to test whether interspecific variation in dispersal‐related life‐history traits predicts assembly order. Beta diversity and ordination analyses were employed to examine nestedness vs. turnover, and probe for repeatable patterns in patch chronosequence assembly, respectively.

Our results emphasize the importance of dispersal potential on species assembly patterns as earlier arrivals exhibit greater probabilities of sexual and specialized asexual expression. High turnover coupled with temporal convergence in species composition also points to evidence of within‐patch biotic filtering.

Synthesis. Epiphylls are locally diverse in humid tropical forests worldwide; however, the mechanisms which maintain their high local diversity are unknown. This study suggests that interspecific variation in dispersal capacity in combination with diffuse indirect effects is the principal contributor to the high alpha‐diversity of these ephemeral metacommunities.
A molecular signature for delayed graft function
Authors: McGuinness Dagmara , Mohammed Suhaib , Monaghan Laura , Wilson Paul A. , Kingsmore David B. , Shapter Oliver , Stevenson Karen S. , Coley Shana M. , Devey Luke , Kirkpatrick Robert B. , Shiels Paul G.
Published: August 2018

Chronic kidney disease and associated comorbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) manifest with an accelerated ageing phenotype, leading ultimately to organ failure and renal replacement therapy. This process can be modulated by epigenetic and environmental factors which promote loss of physiological function and resilience to stress earlier, linking biological age with adverse outcomes post‐transplantation including delayed graft function (DGF). The molecular features underpinning this have yet to be fully elucidated. We have determined a molecular signature for loss of resilience and impaired physiological function, via a synchronous genome, transcriptome and proteome snapshot, using human renal allografts as a source of healthy tissue as an in vivo model of ageing in humans. This comprises 42 specific transcripts, related through IFNγ signalling, which in allografts displaying clinically impaired physiological function (DGF) exhibited a greater magnitude of change in transcriptional amplitude and elevated expression of noncoding RNAs and pseudogenes, consistent with increased allostatic load. This was accompanied by increased DNA methylation within the promoter and intragenic regions of the DGF panel in preperfusion allografts with immediate graft function. Pathway analysis indicated that an inability to sufficiently resolve inflammatory responses was enabled by decreased resilience to stress and resulted in impaired physiological function in biologically older allografts. Cross‐comparison with publically available data sets for renal pathologies identified significant transcriptional commonality for over 20 DGF transcripts. Our data are clinically relevant and important, as they provide a clear molecular signature for the burden of “wear and tear” within the kidney and thus age‐related physiological capability and resilience.
Anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of the salivary glands in the dog
Authors: Gil Francisco , Arencibia Alberto , García Verónica , Ramírez Gregorio , Vázquez José María
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to describe the anatomical location and the topographic relationship of the major salivary glands to associated tissues in six dog cadavers by high‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gross anatomical dissections and sections. Spin‐echo T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1.5 T magnet. The digastric muscle, the external auditory canal, the eyeball, and the medial pterygoid muscle were the most consistent topographic landmarks for the identification of the mandibular, parotid, and zygomatic salivary glands, respectively. The best differentiation and contrast of the glands was observed in the T2‐weighted images. In contrast with the osseous and muscular tissues, the salivary glands appeared hyperintense in greater or lesser measure except for the parotid gland, which displayed a hypointense signal. The rostral part of the monostomatic sublingual gland was precisely located between the tongue and the mylohyoid muscle. The best delineation between the caudal part of the monostomatic sublingual gland and the cranial aspect of the mandibular gland was observed in dorsalMRIat the level of the palate and the branches of the superior dental arcade. Good evaluation of the mandibular, parotid, caudal part of the monostomatic sublingual, zygomatic and buccal ventral glands was possible in sagittalMRIin close relation with the external auditory canal and the temporomandibular joint. The ventral buccal glands were also observed near the buccal vestibule as was the palatine glands within the soft palate.
The Importance of Venous Return in Starling‐Like Control of Rotary Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Stephens Andrew F. , Gregory Shaun D. , Salamonsen Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Rotary ventricular assist devices (VADs) are less sensitive to preload than the healthy heart, resulting in inadequate flow regulation in response to changes in patient cardiac demand. Starling‐like physiological controllers (SLCs) have been developed to automatically regulate VAD flow based on ventricular preload. An SLC consists of a cardiac response curve (CRC) which imposes a nonlinear relationship between VAD flow and ventricular preload, and a venous return line (VRL) which determines the return path of the controller. This study investigates the importance of a physiological VRL in SLC of dual rotary blood pumps for biventricular support. Two experiments were conducted on a physical mock circulation loop (MCL); the first compared an SLC with an angled physiological VRL (SLC‐P) against an SLC with a vertical VRL (SLC‐V). The second experiment quantified the benefit of a dynamic VRL, represented by a series of specific VRLs, which could adapt to different circulatory states including changes in pulmonary (PVR) and systemic (SVR) vascular resistance versus a fixed physiological VRL which was calculated at rest. In both sets of experiments, the transient controller responses were evaluated through reductions in preload caused by the removal of fluid from the MCL. The SLC‐P produced no overshoot or oscillations following step changes in preload, whereas SLC‐V produced 0.4 L/min (12.5%) overshoot for both left and right VADs. Additionally, the SLC‐V had increased settling time and reduced controller stability as evidenced by transient controller oscillations. The transient results comparing the specific and standard VRLs demonstrated that specific VRL rise times were improved by between 1.2 and 4.7 s ( = 3.05 s), while specific VRL settling times were improved by between 2.8 and 16.1 seconds ( = 8.38 s) over the standard VRL. This suggests only a minor improvement in controller response time from a dynamic VRL compared to the fixed VRL. These results indicate that the use of a fixed physiologically representative VRL is adequate over a wide variety of physiological conditions.
Letter: significant burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with advanced fibrosis in the USA: a cross‐sectional analysis of 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Liu Y. , Wan B. , Lin S.
Published: August 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Wong et al and Wong papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14327 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14909.
Editorial: putting more muscle into treating our chronic hepatitis B patients—the importance of assessing sarcopenia
Authors: Mudaliar S. , Liu K.
Published: August 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Han et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14843.
Impact of Epstein‐Barr virus serological status on clinical outcomes in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: de Francisco Ruth , Castaño‐García Andrés , Martínez‐González Susana , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , González‐Huerta Ana J. , Morais Lucía R. , Fernández‐García María S. , Jiménez Santiago , Díaz‐Coto Susana , Flórez‐Díez Pablo , Suárez Adolfo , Riestra Sabino
Published: August 2018

Background

Little is known about the impact of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection on clinical outcomes in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim

To evaluate seroprevalence, seroconversion rate and complications associated with EBV infection in an adult IBD cohort attending a tertiary care hospital in Spain between 2006 and 2016.

Methods

EBV serological status was determined. In seronegative patients, the seroconversion rate was evaluated. The complications associated with primary and latent EBV infection are described.

Results

One thousand four hundred and eighty‐three patients over the age of 17 were included in the study (mean age at EBV serological status determination was 48.3). Overall seroprevalence of EBV was 97.4% (95% CI: 96.6%‐98.2%). The seroconversion rate was 29.7% (95% CI: 16.2‐45.9) after a mean of 47.5 months. There were no differences in seroconversion rates between patients 35 years or younger and patients older than 35 years. A 66‐year‐old man, on treatment with thiopurines, developed lymphoma and a hemophagocytic syndrome during a primary EBV infection. Overall, six patients (one with primary infection and five with prior EBV infection) developed lymphoma. In three of five patients with lymphoma and thiopurine use, EBV was associated to the development of lymphoma.

Conclusions

There is a small percentage of adults with IBD at risk of primary EBV infection. The risks of seroconversion and its complications remain through adulthood. Our results suggest that, when considering the use of thiopurines in IBD, the information on EBV serological status should be taken into account at any age.
Parents’ posthumous use of daughter’s ovarian tissue: Ethical dimensions
Authors: Affdal Aliya O. , Ravitsky Vardit
Published: August 2018

In recent years, progress in cancer treatment has greatly increased the chances of recovery. Yet, treatment may have irreversible effects on patients’ fertility. In order to protect future fertility, preservation of ovarian tissue may be offered today even to very young girls, involving a surgical procedure that may be performed by minimally invasive laparoscopy, under general anesthesia. However, in the tragic event of a girl’s death, questions may arise regarding the possible use of the preserved ovarian tissue by her parents. Should posthumous reproductive use of ovarian tissue without the girl’s prior consent (due to her young age) be considered a violation of her rights? On the other hand, can it be argued that it is in the interest of a child who died young to leave a genetic trace through posthumous reproduction, because genetic continuity is in the interest of every human being? After presenting the relevant clinical facts, we explore the ethical dimensions of this possible practice through an analysis of the interests of the deceased, her parents, and the child that may be born posthumously.
Endotypes of severe allergic asthma patients who clinically benefit from anti‐IgE therapy
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chen , Weng Chih‐Ming , Lee Meng‐Jung , Lin Shu‐Min , Wang Chun‐Hua , Kuo Han‐Pin
Published: August 2018

Background

Omalizumab, a recombinant monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, was developed for the treatment of severe allergic asthma. Not all these patients respond to omalizumab.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether the proinflammatory cytokine profiles in the severe allergic asthma patients were different between who responded and nonresponded to omalizumab therapy.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted to examine type 2 cytokines and epithelium‐derived cytokines in the bronchial tissues by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and PCR analysis among patients with severe allergic asthma before and after omalizumab therapy.

Results

Fourteen of 23 patients with unstable severe allergic asthma improved their asthma control after 4 months of omalizumab treatment (Responders), while nine failed to improve (Non‐Responders). Most of Responders were type 2‐high endotype (12/14) with upregulated expression of IL‐33, IL‐25 and TSLP in their bronchial tissues, while most of Non‐Responders were type 2‐low endotype (8/9). Repeated bronchoscopic biopsy was done in nine responders after omalizumab treatment and showed a decline in IL‐13, IL‐33, IL‐25 and TSLP expression in the bronchial tissues. Among 14 Responders who continued omalizuamb treatments to a total 12 months, six patients achieved a well control of asthma (ACT ≥ 23), while eight patients required additional treatment for asthma symptoms and had more rhinosinusitis comorbidities and a mixed eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation in their bronchial tissues.

Conclusion

Most of the severe allergic asthma patients who benefited from omalizumab treatment were IL‐33, IL‐25 and TSLP aggravated type 2‐high endotype. Rhinosinusitis or with a mixed eosinophilic and neutrophilic airway inflammation should be evaluated in patients who partially responded to omalizumab treatment.
Gender‐affirming hormone therapy and the risk of sex hormone‐dependent tumours in transgender individuals—A systematic review
Authors: McFarlane Thomas , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Cheung Ada S.
Published: August 2018

Background

Cancers are a leading cause of death worldwide, and transgender individuals are no exception. The effects of gender‐affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on sex hormone‐dependent tumours are unclear. Therefore, this review seeks to determine whether tumour risk in transgender individuals differs from the general population, to guide clinical screening recommendations.

Methods

We performed a systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies examining tumour incidence, prevalence or cancer‐related mortality in transgender individuals. All English peer‐reviewed publications were included if histological type and temporal relation to GAHT were reported. Case reports were included if there were ≥2 cases of the same histological type.

Results

The search strategy identified 307 studies. Excluding those that did not meet inclusion criteria, 43 studies (7 cohort studies, 2 cross‐sectional studies and 34 case reports) were reviewed. Retrospective cohort studies suggest no increase in risk of tumour development in transgender individuals receiving GAHT compared to the general population. Notably, the mean ages of cohorts were young and were treated with GAHT for insufficient durations to assess tumour risk. Case reports raise potential associations between high‐dose oestradiol and anti‐androgen therapy with prolactinoma and meningioma, respectively.

Conclusions

Further longitudinal studies are required to assess the risk of GAHT and hormone‐dependent tumour development. Until further evidence is available, tumour screening should be based on guidelines for the general population and the presence of organs in transgender individuals rather than gender identity or hormonal therapy status.
Effect of calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate on elevated parathyroid hormone after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. A double‐blinded, randomized trial
Authors: Ring Madsen Lene , Espersen Rasmus , Rejnmark Lars , Richelsen Bjørn
Published: August 2018

Objective

Following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels potentially harmful to bone health are commonly observed. Owing to assumed superior absorption, calcium citrate is often recommended over calcium carbonate following RYGB for the treatment of elevated PTH. We aimed to investigate the impact of either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate (1200 mg elementary calcium) in patients with elevated PTH levels following RYGB.

Design

Clinical, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial of a 12‐week duration at a Danish University Hospital.

Patients and Measurements

Thirty‐nine (no drop out) RYGB operated patients with elevated PTH levels (PTH > 6.9 pmol/L) and normal plasma levels of calcium and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were randomized to either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate (1200 mg elementary calcium/daily). We assessed change in PTH as the primary outcome.

Results

The effect of the two calcium formulations on change in PTH was comparable and neutral: −1.9% (calcium citrate) vs +0.9% (calcium carbonate), P = 0.680. Compared to the carbonate‐treated group, the following bone turnover markers decreased significantly in the citrate‐treated group: procollagen I N‐terminal propeptide (−16.6% vs −3.2%, P = 0.021), osteocalcin (−17.2% vs −4.3%, P = 0.007) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (−5.9% vs 3.7%, P = 0.027) and remained significantly decreased after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion

Increasing the dose of calcium supplementation in RYGB operated patients with slightly elevated PTH levels does not normalize PTH levels, regardless of the type of supplement. Our results do not support recommending supplementation with calcium citrate over calcium carbonate in RYGB patients.
The Decline in Capital Efficiency and Labour Share
Authors: Río Fernando del , Lores Francisco‐Xavier
Published: August 2018

We calibrate and simulate a neoclassical growth model with a variable elasticity of substitution production function and three types of technological change: labour‐augmenting, capital‐augmenting and investment‐specific. In this framework, we find that the decline in US labour share was caused by a large decline in capital efficiency, which led to a decrease in the ratio of effective capital to effective labour in a context in which capital and labour are gross complements. Moreover, the decline in the relative price of investment contributed to reducing the fall in US labour share, while the increase in the economic depreciation rate of US fixed assets accounted for a small reduction in US labour share.
Influence of custom‐made and stock mouthguard thickness on biomechanical response to a simulated impact
Authors: Tribst João Paulo Mendes , de Oliveira Dal Piva Amanda Maria , Borges Alexandre Luiz Souto , Bottino Marco Antonio
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims

Mouthguards (MGs) are devices that can reduce the risks of facial trauma. However, the large variety of MG types and thicknesses raises the question of which type is the most effective and beneficial for the athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the skull, teeth, and jaws as a consequence of a direct impact.

Material and Methods

Using modeling software, a human skull was modeled and a human jaw was created with all teeth inserted into the respective alveolus. The models were divided according to the MG type (custom‐made or stock) and thickness (1, 2, and 4 mm). Two models without MG were evaluated with and without teeth contact. The geometries were exported to analysis software and the materials were considered ideal. Fixation occurred at the base of the foramen magnum. The load (500 N) was applied on the canine tooth with a ball. Maximum principal (MPa) and Von‐Mises results were obtained.

Results

Without any protection, the generated tensile stress was of greater magnitude causing more damage in the absence of teeth contact. The presence of a MG significantly reduced the generated stress in all structures, and the customized/individualized type was more efficient than stock MGs.

Conclusions

In extreme situations when it is impossible to use a MG, keeping the teeth in maximum intercuspal position is less harmful. Despite this, the use of any MG is beneficial and assists in dampening the generated stress. The thicker the device, the greater the capacity for decreasing the damage in all structures. The use of individual protectors for each patient is even more beneficial for preventing trauma during at‐risk activities of impact.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic children with acute leukemia: Do the presently available data really support this practice?
Authors: Calitri Carmelina , Ruberto Eliana , Castagnola Elio
Published: August 2018

Antibiotics are frequently administered for prophylaxis of fever in neutropenic children with cancer. This strategy is mainly derived from adults’ data, and various pediatric studies evidenced the effectiveness of antibiotics (eg, fluoroquinolones) in the prevention of febrile neutropenia. However, only two pediatric randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials have been performed, with a total of 262 leukemic children enrolled, and no other one was ever powered for analyzing effectiveness over other infectious complications. In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, the widespread use of antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic leukemic children needs to be strongly supported.
Indications for root canal treatment in a Swedish county dental service: patient‐ and tooth‐specific characteristics
Authors: Wigsten E. , Jonasson P. ,   EndoReCo, Kvist T.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To study patient‐ and tooth‐specific characteristics of teeth indicated for root canal treatment, in the public dental service of the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden.

Methodology

During a designated 8‐week period, general dental practitioners working at 20 different public dental clinics consecutively registered indications for undertaking root canal treatment. The patients’ subjective level of pain was also registered (visual analogue scale) at the very first appointment. The following information was retrieved from computerized dental records and radiographs: gender, age, number of remaining teeth, tooth group, previous restoration, number of restored surfaces, dental caries and tooth substance loss. Gender and age were compared using both descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

The material comprised 243 teeth in 243 patients: 128 (52.7%) women and 115 (47.3%) men, mean age 48.3 years. Molar teeth predominated (47.7%). Most of the teeth (83.5%) had previously been restored and exhibited significant loss of tooth substance, more than a third of the crown (71.3%). Dental caries was present in 127 teeth (62.9%). Dental trauma was implicated in only seven cases (2.9%). Initial treatment was frequently undertaken at an emergency visit, for relief of symptoms (64.9%). The most commonly registered indication was pulpal necrosis with apical periodontitis (38.1%), followed by pulpitis (37.7%). Retreatment of a root filled tooth was reported in 18 teeth (7.4%).

Conclusions

In the general Public Dental Service of Sweden, root canal treatment is most frequently undertaken in molars. The primary indication is relief of symptoms. Retreatment of root filled teeth is uncommon.
Sex hormones, erectile dysfunction, and psoriasis; a bad friendship!
Authors: Eltaweel Abd El Aziz I. , Mustafa Amany I. , El‐Shimi Ola S. , Algaod Fatma A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Sex hormones may play a major role in psoriasis pathogenesis due to their biological and immunological effects on skin. Psoriasis also has a significant impact on patients’ sexual function and thus their quality of life.

Aim

In the present study, we investigated serum sex hormones and erectile function in male psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and correlated these findings with various disease parameters.

Methods

Serum total testosterone and estradiol were measured by an ELISA technique in 50 male patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy controls. The erectile function of all subjects was assessed by the international index of erectile function version‐5.

Results

Patients with psoriasis showed a significant lower serum level of total testosterone, higher level of estradiol, and impaired erectile function relative to healthy controls.

Conclusion

The detected hormonal disturbance in male psoriasis patients may be a cause of the associated erectile dysfunction beside the known effect of chronic systemic disease on patients’ erectile function.
The glycerol and ethanol production kinetics in low‐temperature wine fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains
Authors: Gao Yu‐Ting , Zhang Yu‐Shu , Wen Xiang , Song Xiao‐Wan , Meng Dan , Li Bing‐Juan , Wang Mei‐Yan , Tao Yong‐Qing , Zhao Hui , Guan Wen‐Qiang , Du Gang
Published: August 2018

Increasing glycerol production in low‐temperature wine fermentation is of concern for winemakers to improve the quality of wines. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 different Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the kinetics of production of glycerol, ethanol and the activities of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in low‐temperature fermentation. Ethanol production was influenced by temperature, and it was slightly higher at 13 °C than at 25 °C. Glycerol yields were significantly affected by both temperature and strains. More glycerol was produced at 25 °C than at 13 °C because the activity of GPD was higher at 25 °C than at 13 °C. Glycerol production of the different yeast strains was up to 3.19 and 3.18 g L−1 at 25 and 13 °C, respectively. Therefore, isolating the yeast strains with high glycerol production and adaptation to low‐temperature fermentation is still the best method in winemaking.
Agility in responding to disruptive digital innovation: Case study of an SME
Authors: Chan Calvin M.L. , Teoh Say Yen , Yeow Adrian , Pan Gary
Published: August 2018

Disruptive digital innovation (DDI) often creates hypercompetitive market environment that forces firms to be agile to survive and remain competitive. Whereas most studies have focused on larger firms' effort to be agile, few have looked at how small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) respond to DDI. The study attempts to answer the research question of how SMEs achieve agility to respond to DDI. Drawing on a case study of an innovative SME, our study develops a framework on agility based on the processes of mitigating organizational rigidity, developing innovative capabilities, and balancing the tension of organizational ambidexterity. Specifically, our findings show that for SMEs, mitigating organizational rigidity is enabled by the mechanism of achieving boundary openness while developing innovative capability is enabled by the mechanism of achieving organizational adaptability. At the same time, given the inherent challenges of resource constraints, SMEs also need to balance the tension of organizational ambidexterity.
Rethinking the Purpose of the Corporation
Authors: Waitzer Edward J.
Published: August 2018

For about forty years, corporate governance and corporate law focused on minimizing “agency costs” by aligning the interests of shareholders and managers through a series of techniques, including regulatory standards, independent directors, take‐overs and activist shareholders.

These means, combined with implicit acceptance of the “Efficient Market Hypothesis” (EMH) reinforced belief that share prices reflected objective corporate performance and that maximizing shareholder wealth was the purpose of the corporation.

This author, however, argues that proper corporate governance requires more than just faith in efficient equity markets and strong managerial incentives. Despite the desire for simplicity, there is no one “right” governance model. Governance is highly contextual and, ironically, the existing corporate law and regulation have tended to frustrate dynamic adaption and have led to governance systems that underperform.

The author offers Systems Theory as a better way to think about corporate purpose and governance. Systems are more than the sum of their parts, they are comprised of subsystems which in turn are comprised of other subsystems on so on, and the overall health of the system depends on the continued health of each of its essential subsystems, as well as of the larger system.

Systems theory counsels against focusing on any single metric (and in favor of the need for new ones — the relevance of metrics inevitably run down over time). Metrics such as profits, employee turnover, and customer satisfaction are not ends in themselves. Rather, they are a source of information about whether the corporation is relevant, resilient and sustainable. The systems challenge is to bring about a paradigm shift that restores connectivity between investors, employees, management, other corporate stakeholders and governments. This will require thinking differently about how the constituent elements interact and produce results.
“Big Data” Analysis: Putting the Data Cart Before the Modelling Horse?
Authors: Barr Graham D. , Stewart Theodor J. , Kantor Brian S.
Published: August 2018

The statistical analysis of very large data sets, so‐called Big Data or Data Analytics, has become enormously popular in Statistical Analysis and Operations Research. In some cases, such as research into the buying habits of online consumers, the results have come quickly and been very significant. Analysis of other data sets, however, is questionable. For example, time‐series based statistical analysis, often under the descriptive envelope of “neural networks” and “data mining,” of stock market and futures prices, sometimes in combination with historical accounting figures such as earnings and cash flows.

The appeal is understandable given the availability of share price data and cheap computer processing power. Nevertheless, the notion that historical data form some sort of repeatable pattern over time, and that complex time series or neural network techniques can be then be used to forecast future prices is hard to justify.

Economic modeling necessarily needs to factor in human behavior, unlike modeling in the pure sciences. The authors cite Lancaster University Professor Michael Pidd who summarizes six relevant principles:

Model simple, think complicated

Be parsimonious, start small and add

Divide and conquer, avoid mega models

Use metaphors, analogies and similarities

Do not fall in love with data

Model building may feel like muddling through.

Economic modeling must recognize three key components:

(i) the incorporation of human cognitive understanding and experience of the underlying systems,

(ii) the use of data to validate emerging models, and

(iii) the role of mathematics to ensure internal coherence and logic.

Decision‐makers ought to be very skeptical of models which skimp on any one of these three components. The authors emphasize that, rather than Big Data adding value, per se, people add value by creating models that use it.
Debt Crisis Looming? Yes, Corporate Debt Expanded but Don't Panic Over the Prospect of BBB Downgrades
Authors: Fridson Martin
Published: August 2018

The popular press often tends towards sensationalism and, unfortunately, the supposedly more sober financial press is not always better. It is true that many American companies have taken the opportunity to borrow large sums during recent years when interest rates were close to their all‐time lows. This has also led some media commenters to predict a large number of marginally investment grade debt issues (e.g. BBB rated on the S&P rating scale) will be downgraded to less‐than‐investment‐grade status–or to “junk”–as such bonds are commonly known.

Veteran fixed income analyst Martin Fridson takes stock of the situation in mid‐2018. While emphasizing that a bear market is inevitable someday, he advises investors not to panic now. Despite the more apocalyptic scenarios offered by financial commentators making dubious connections between today's corporate bond market and possible future high‐yield events, the aggregate numbers do not add up to an end‐of‐civilization‐as‐we‐know‐it story. Some of the numbers mentioned in financial commentary are at least slightly misleading.

The present market lacks the sort of structural weaknesses likely to trigger a major bear cycle in fixed income securities, such as overleveraged buyouts and early‐stage telecoms. While there are some questionable issuers in the market, these are isolated cases, rather than representatives of a vast segment of today's high‐yield universe.
Genetic evaluation of Atlantic salmon for growth traits incorporating SNP markers
Authors: Schaeffer Lawrence R. , Ang Keng Pee , Elliott Jake A. K. , Herlin Marine , Powell Frank , Boulding Elizabeth Grace
Published: August 2018

Genetic evaluations of individual fish were calculated for growth traits in North American Atlantic salmon with and without inclusion of genetic markers. The number of SNP markers was reduced to 6,000 and further to 270 in order to reduce the problem of overparameterization. SNP genotypes were predicted for all ungenotyped animals in the pedigree. Analysis of traits used a model with polygenic effects and SNP markers together. Polygenic effects refer to the additive genetic effects that remain after accounting for SNP genotypes. SNP marker genotypes were included as covariates to evaluate fish for growth traits (weight and length) in different environments (freshwater and seawater) with genders separated. Including regressions on SNP marker genotypes reduced the sum of squares of residuals by 2.7%–12.5% and increased the variability of Mendelian sampling effects (i.e., within‐family variation) compared to traditional animal model evaluations. Genetic evaluations may be carried out with a few hundred markers which may be more affordable for genotyping large numbers of fish.
Phenotypic, molecular and pathological characterization of motile aeromonads isolated from diseased fishes cultured in Uruguay
Authors: Perretta Alejandro , Antúnez Karina , Zunino Pablo
Published: August 2018

Information about motile aeromonads from aquaculture systems of the Neotropical region is scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize motile Aeromonas isolated from ornamental and consumable fishes cultured in Uruguay. Biochemical and molecular methods were used for species identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of virulence genes were evaluated. Genetic diversity was analysed by rep‐PCR, and virulence of the most representative isolates was determined by calculating the fifty lethal dose in experimentally challenged fish (Australoheros facetus). Aeromonas hydrophila and A. veronii were the most prevalent identified species (38.2% and 32.4%, respectively), whereas A. allosacharophila, A. bestiarium, A. caviae and A. punctata were less prevalent. This study constitutes the first report of these last four species in Uruguay. All isolates were resistant to at least three antimicrobials, and 82.3% of them showed multidrug resistance. Virulence genotypes were correlated with the Aeromonas species and haemolytic activity. The genotype act+/alt+/ast+/ela+/lip+ was the most prevalent (26.5%). A correlation between virulence genotypes and Aeromonas species was found. A. punctata showed a clonal structure according to rep‐PCR analysis, whereas other species showed high genetic diversity. The number of virulence genes of the isolates was related with virulence according to the experimental challenge assays.
Replacement of Urinary Catheter for Urinary Tract Infections: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Babich Tanya , Zusman Oren , Elbaz Michal , Ben‐Zvi Haim , Paul Mical , Leibovici Leonard , Avni Tomer
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess whether catheter replacement is associated with better clinical outcomes in individuals with long‐term urinary catheters.

Design

Prospective, noninterventional study.

Participants

Individuals (mean age 79.2±11.5) who had had an indwelling urinary catheter for longer than 7 days and a symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) (N=315).

Measurements

The exposure assessed was replacement of the indwelling urinary catheter within 6 hours. The primary outcome was clinical failure at day 7. We developed a propensity score model for catheter replacement to match participants. Multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust for other risk factors.

Results

The catheter was replaced in 98 participants and not in 217. More than half of the participants resided in long‐term care facilities and had high Charlson comorbidity scores. The rate of clinical failure on day 7 was 35.2% (108/306). The 30‐day fatality rate was 30.8% (96/315). We found no statistically significant association between catheter replacement and clinical failure (propensity‐adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.90, 95% CI=0.50–1.63) or 30‐day fatality (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.40–1.44).

Conclusion

We found no clinical benefit of replacing a long‐term catheter at the onset of the catheter‐associated UTI. Further research is needed through randomized controlled trials.
Cognitive performance in DSWPD patients upon awakening from habitual sleep compared with forced conventional sleep
Authors: Solheim Brandy , Olsen Alexander , Kallestad Håvard , Langsrud Knut , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Gradisar Michael , Sand Trond
Published: August 2018

Difficult early morning awakening is one of the defining symptoms of delayed sleep–wake phase disorder. It is accompanied by low cognitive arousal and drowsiness resulting in difficulty concentrating and focusing attention upon awakening. We designed the current study to quantitate cognitive performance (i.e. omissions, commissions, reaction time [average and variability]) and cognitive domains (i.e. focused attention, sustained attention, impulsivity and vigilance) with Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II during both habitual and conventional (00:00–07:00 hr) sleep–wake schedule in young adult patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (n = 20, mean age = 24.8 years, SD = 3.0) and controls (n = 16, mean age = 24.4 years, SD = 3.4). Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II was administered after awakening and in the afternoon during both habitual and conventional conditions. In‐laboratory polysomnography was performed for 2 nights. We assessed sleep, tiredness, chronotype and depression using questionnaires. Saliva was sampled for dim light melatonin onset measurements. Repeated‐measures ANOVAs were applied for the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II measures with group (patient/control), time (afternoon/morning) and condition (habitual/conventional schedule) as fixed factors. Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder had reduced reaction times, especially in the morning, greater response speed variability, and made more omission and commission errors compared with controls. Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder also had reduced focused attention, especially upon forced early awakening. The short total sleep time of patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder could not statistically explain this outcome. In conclusion, we observed a state‐dependent reduced ability to focus attention upon early morning awakening in patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder. Patients also had more omissions, longer reaction time and increased RT variability after habitual sleep, suggesting a possible small cognitive trait dysfunction in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder.
How to estimate kinship
Authors: Goudet Jérôme , Kay Tomas , Weir Bruce S.
Published: August 2018

The concept of kinship permeates many domains of fundamental and applied biology ranging from social evolution to conservation science to quantitative and human genetics. Until recently, pedigrees were the gold standard to infer kinship, but the advent of next‐generation sequencing and the availability of dense genetic markers in many species make it a good time to (re)evaluate the usefulness of genetic markers in this context. Using three published data sets where both pedigrees and markers are available, we evaluate two common and a new genetic estimator of kinship. We show discrepancies between pedigree values and marker estimates of kinship and explore via simulations the possible reasons for these. We find these discrepancies are attributable to two main sources: pedigree errors and heterogeneity in the origin of founders. We also show that our new marker‐based kinship estimator has very good statistical properties and behaviour and is particularly well suited for situations where the source population is of small size, as will often be the case in conservation biology, and where high levels of kinship are expected, as is typical in social evolution studies.
The single‐domain response regulator LerC functions as a connector protein in the Legionella pneumophila effectors regulatory network
Authors: Feldheim Yaron S. , Zusman Tal , Kapach Anya , Segal Gil
Published: August 2018

The intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila translocates more than 300 effector proteins into host cells during infection. The PmrAB two‐component system (TCS) has been shown to activate the expression of a large pool of these effector‐encoding genes (EEGs) and the LetAS TCS, as part of the LetAS‐RsmYZ‐CsrA cascade, has been shown to repress the expression of another pool of EEGs. We identified a single‐domain response regulator (SDRR), named LerC, which functions as a connector protein between the PmrAB and the LetAS TCSs. The lerC gene is strongly activated by the PmrAB TCS and the LerC protein inhibits the activity of the LetAS TCS. The LerC protein specifically interacts with the HPT (histidine‐phosphotransfer) domain of LetS, leading to reduced expression of the small RNAs RsmY and RsmZ, which leads to a reduced expression of the pool of EEGs regulated by the LetAS‐RsmYZ‐CsrA cascade. In addition, the conserved aspartic acid located in the LerC receiver domain is essential for its phosphorylation and function, suggesting that LerC functions as a phosphate‐sink of LetS. Our results demonstrate a new role for SDRRs as connector proteins in regulatory networks, suggesting that members of this widespread group of proteins might function as connector proteins in other bacterial regulatory networks.
MGL_3741 gene contributes to pathogenicity of Malassezia globosa in pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Aghaei Gharehbolagh Sanaz , Kordbacheh Parivash , Hashemi Seyed Jamal , Daie Ghazvini Roshanak , Asgari Yazdan , Agha Kuchak Afshari Setareh , Seyedmousavi Seyedmojtaba , Rezaie Sassan
Published: August 2018

Dihydroxyacid dehydratase (DHAD) is a key enzyme in biosynthetic pathway of isoleucine and valine. This pathway is absent in human but exists in various organisms such as fungi. Using RNA‐seq analysis in this study, we identified MGL_3741gene which encodes DHAD protein in Malassezia globosa (M. globosa). Furthermore, we found that mentioned gene is homologous to the Ustilago maydis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus ILV3P. For understanding the probable role of this gene in pathogenicity of M. globosa, we applied Real‐time PCR to investigate the differentially expressed of the MGL_3741 gene in healthy and pathogenic states. Our results indicate a significant difference between two mentioned stats. These results revealed that ILV3‐like gene in M. globosa can be related to the pathogenicity of this yeast.
Baby‐led weaning: Where are we now?
Authors: Rapley G. A.
Published: August 2018

When baby‐led weaning (BLW) first emerged as a concept, in the early 2000s, it was seen as a new and different approach to complementary feeding, a challenge to the accepted way of doing things – which indeed it was. Since then, there has been a gradual reassessment of the perceived wisdom that guides how complementary feeding is approached, with the result that many of the features of BLW are now reflected in mainstream thinking. The publication of the report of the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, Feeding in the First Year of Life, which summarises and evaluates the existing evidence base for infant feeding as a benchmark for UK guidelines, provides a useful opportunity to look at how well the baby‐led approach fits with current evidence and which aspects of the introduction of solid foods remain to be investigated.