bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-BAFF Treatment Interferes With Humoral Responses in a Model of Renal Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Steines Louisa , Poth Helen , Schuster Antonia , Geissler Edward K. , Amann Kerstin , Banas Bernhard , Bergler Tobias 
Published: October 2019

Background.
B-cell–activating factor (BAFF) is associated with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and poorer outcomes after renal transplantation (RTx). We examined the effects of anti-BAFF treatment on B cells, expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokines, germinal centers (GCs), and DSA formation in an RTx model in rats.

Methods.
Anti-BAFF antibody was injected on days 3, 17, 31, and 45 after allogeneic RTx. Rats received reduced dose cyclosporine A for 28 or 56 days to allow chronic rejection and DSA formation. Leukocytes, B-cell subsets, and DSA were measured using flow cytometry; expression of cytokines and costimulatory molecules was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and GCs and T follicular helper were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Rejection was evaluated by a nephropathologist.

Results.
Anti-BAFF treatment reduced the frequency of B cells in allografts and spleen. Naive B cells were strongly reduced by anti-BAFF treatment in all compartments. Messenger RNA expression of interleukin-6 and the costimulatory molecules CD40 and inducible T cell costimulator ligand was significantly reduced in anti–BAFF-treated rats. GC area was smaller and plasmablasts/plasma cell numbers lower in anti–BAFF-treated rats, which was reflected by less DSA in certain IgG subclasses.

Conclusions.
Anti-BAFF treatment interferes with humoral responses at multiple levels in this model of allogeneic RTx.
Sugar as a therapeutic target for the cognitive restoration following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kumar Amit 
Published: October 2019

Purpose of review
This review aims to discuss examples of changes in glucose (sugar) metabolism after traumatic brain injury (TBI). It will attempt to provide an understanding of what changes in glucose metabolism mean for the injured brain. It will further identify potential therapeutic target(s) emanating from our growing understanding of glucose pathways and their roles in TBI.

Recent findings
Although a significant fraction of glucose is utilized for the energy production in the brain, a small fraction is utilized in other, often ignored pathways. Recent studies have unraveled unexpected biological effects of glucose through these pathways, including redox regulation, genetic and epigenetic regulation, glycation of proteins, nucleotide synthesis and amino acid synthesis.

Summary
A number of regulatory players in minor glucose metabolic pathways, such as folate and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, have recently been identified as potential targets to restore cognitive functions. Targeting of these players should be combined with the supplementation of alternative energy substrates to achieve the maximal cognitive restoration after TBI. This multimodal therapeutic strategy deserves testing in various models of TBI.

Video abstract:
Supplemental digital video content 1: Video that demonstrates an effective therapeutic strategy for the cognitive restoration after TBI. http://links.lww.com/CONR/A46.
Rapidly Sequential Vision Loss From Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Due to Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Aldrees Sultan S. , Micieli Jonathan A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract:
A 63-year-old man with a history of high-grade bladder cancer was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with renal failure and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia originating from his nephrostomy tube. While in the ICU, he had painless, severe loss of vision in the right eye followed by his left eye 12 hours later. Visual acuity was no light perception in each eye. He was anemic, and before each eye lost vision, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure. Dilated fundus examination was normal, and MRI showed hyperintense signal in the bilateral intracanalicular optic nerves on diffusion-weighted imaging and a corresponding low signal on apparent diffusion coefficient imaging. He was diagnosed with bilateral posterior ischemic optic neuropathies (PION), and despite transfusion and improvement in his systemic health, his vision did not recover. PION may be seen in the context of sepsis, and patients with unilateral vision loss have a window for optimization of risk factors if a prompt diagnosis is made.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities of the Optic Nerve Sheath and Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Gospe Sidney M. , Amrhein Timothy J. , Malinzak Michael D. , Bhatti M. Tariq , Mettu Pradeep , El-Dairi Mays A. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an important diagnostic consideration in elderly patients with vision changes. Superficial temporal artery biopsy (TAB) has long been considered the gold standard diagnostic approach for GCA, but MRI has gained interest as an alternative diagnostic modality. Although most of the literature has focused on imaging abnormalities of branches of the external carotid artery, there have been a few reports of GCA-related inflammatory involvement of the orbit and internal carotid arteries (ICAs) on MRI.

Methods:
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients undergoing TAB at a single tertiary referral center over a 5-year period. Patients who had undergone contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain and orbits within 1 month of biopsy were included. Fifty-four TAB-positive and 78 TAB-negative patients were reviewed, with the MRI studies of 7 TAB-positive and 6 TAB-negative patients deemed adequate for interpretation. MRI studies were reviewed by 2 masked neuroradiologists, and the findings were correlated with biopsy results and clinical findings.

Results:
Intracranial ICA vessel wall enhancement was identified in 6 of 7 TAB-positive patients (sensitivity 86%), compared with 2 of 6 TAB-negative patients (specificity 67%). Optic nerve sheath enhancement was identified in 5 of 7 TAB-positive patients (sensitivity 71%) and in 2 of 6 TAB-negative patients (specificity 67%), bilateral in all such cases. The combination of both abnormal imaging findings was observed in 5 of 7 TAB-positive patients (sensitivity 71%) and in none of the 6 TAB-negative patients (specificity 100%).

Conclusions:
Intracranial ICA and optic nerve sheath enhancement were observed in a majority of patients with TAB-proven GCA, and the combination of these findings was highly specific for GCA. Identification of these abnormalities on MRI should raise concern for GCA and prompt a thorough review of systems, laboratory testing, and consideration of TAB in patients with ocular complaints potentially consistent with ischemia.
Epidemiology of bacterial contamination of inert hospital surfaces and equipment in critical and non-critical care units: a Brazilian multicenter study
Authors: Rodrigues Dayane Otero , da Paixão Peixoto Laís , Barros Erica Tatiane Mourão , Guimarães Julianne Rodrigues , Gontijo Bruna Clemente , Almeida Jaisa Leite , de Azevedo Lucas Guimarães , Lima Júlia Cristina Oliveira e , Câmara Deyse Silva 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe hospital environment is an important reservoir of microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant pathogens, which can cause in-patient contamination and healthcare-related infections. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of bacterial contamination (contaminated sites, pathogen species and their antimicrobial susceptibility, and tracking of multidrug-resistant microorganisms - MDR) of inert hospital surfaces and medical equipment in two public hospitals in Northern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with 243 samples (n = 208, from Hospital A; and n = 35, from Hospital B) collected by friction with swabs moistened in Brain Heart Infusion from inert surfaces and equipment. The samples were cultivated and bacterial species were identified by the classical approach and tested for their susceptibility through agar diffusion assay according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Most inert surfaces and equipment analyzed presented bacterial contamination (95.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogen of clinical significance detected both in Hospital A (61.8%) and B (68.6%). Hospital A showed higher rates of isolated MDR bacteria than Hospital B, especially in the Adult Intensive Care Unit, which included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (52.7%), Enterobacteria resistant to 4th generation cephalosporins (19.4%), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.78%). The failures in the prevention and control of infections in the two hospitals analyzed reinforce the need for a revised protocol for cleaning and disinfection of inert surfaces and medical equipment, and for regulation of antibiotic dispensing, mainly in the AICU of Hospital A, which was found to be a reservoir of MDR pathogens. This study is innovative because it is the pioneer in Western Bahia that describes the epidemiology of contamination of hospital surfaces, opportuning futures studies in this field.
Genome-informed integrative taxonomic description of three cryptic species in the earthworm genus Carpetania (Oligochaeta, Hormogastridae)
Authors: Marchán Daniel Fernández , Fernández Rosa , Domínguez Jorge , Díaz Cosín Darío J. , Novo Marta 
Published: October 2019

AbstractResearch on cryptic species complexes has reached a consensus on the necessity of integrating multiple sources of evidence. Low-coverage genomic scan techniques like Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) have proven useful to study these groups. Both integrative taxonomy and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data remain to be widely applied to earthworms, an animal group with widespread presence of cryptic diversity. The genus Carpetania (formerly the Hormogaster elisae species complex) was found to contain six deeply divergent genetic lineages and some inconspicuous morphological differentiation based in a handful of Sanger-sequenced markers. Marchán et al. (submitted) delimited three well supported species-level clades on the basis of a genomewide SNP dataset and geometric morphometric analyses, highlighting the necessity of a formal taxonomic description of these taxa. In this work, further analyses are applied to the SNP data and a thorough morphological study is performed in order to provide an integrative description of two new species and to redescribe Carpetania elisae. Species-specific SNPs are identified and used as diagnostic characters, and genome-wide and cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 (COI) genetic distances are compared finding a strong correlation between them. The taxonomic description of these three cryptic species provides a useful tool to include them effectively in ecological studies and biodiversity conservation actions.
High-fidelity Musculoskeletal Modeling Reveals a Motor Planning Contribution to the Speed-Accuracy Tradeoff
Authors: Al Borno Mazen , Vyas Saurabh , Shenoy Krishna V. , Delp Scott L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe speed-accuracy tradeoff is a fundamental aspect of goal-directed motor behavior, empirically formalized by Fitts’ law, which relates movement duration to movement distance and target width. Here, we introduce a computational model of three-dimensional upper extremity movements that reproduces well-known features of reaching movements and is more biomechanically realistic than previous models. Critically, these features arise without the need of signal-dependent noise. We analyzed motor cortical neural activity from monkeys reaching to targets of different sizes. We found that the contribution of preparatory neural states to movement duration variability was greater for smaller targets than larger targets, and that movements to smaller targets exhibited less variability in preparatory neural states, but greater movement duration variability. Taken together, these results suggest that Fitts’ law emerges from greater task demands constraining the optimization landscape in a fashion that reduces the number of “good” control solutions (i.e., faster reaches). Thus, the speed-accuracy tradeoff could be a consequence of motor planning variability and optimal control theory, and not exclusively signal-dependent noise, as is currently held.Significance StatementA long-standing challenge in motor neuroscience is to understand the relationship between movement speed and accuracy, known as the speed-accuracy tradeoff. We introduce a computational model of reaching movements based on optimal control theory using a realistic model of musculoskeletal dynamics. The model synthesizes three-dimensional point-to-point reaching movements that reproduce kinematics features reported in motor control studies. Such high-fidelity modeling reveals that the speed-accuracy tradeoff as described by Fitts’ law emerges even without the presence of motor noise, which is commonly believed to underlie the speed-accuracy tradeoff. This suggests an alternative theory based on suboptimal control solutions. The crux of this theory is that some features of human movement are attributable to planning variability rather than execution noise.
Collaborative architectural design studio environment
Authors: Qureshi Hira 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test a studio pedagogy that originates from an experiment of a collaborative design studio held between two departments of Architecture, as a useful way for students to learn mutually. Meanwhile, it aims to capture the effectiveness, efficiency and impacts of this collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a qualitative research study to observe the role of collaborative design studio in the pedagogical structure of architectural education. It combines the conventional studio with live projects as a unique pedagogy within the studio of Architectural Design-I (AD-I). Primary data collected using open-ended questionnaires from students and focal studio tutors at both architecture departments generated results.

Findings
Built on the analyses of the questionnaires, this paper answers the research questions based on the collaborative studio pedagogy for the course of AD-I and reports on lessons learnt from this collaborative experience. It proves that students can successfully work collaboratively and build confidence in their own abilities to solve a challenge and achieve a common goal through practical experience as well.

Research limitations/implications
This research used a qualitative approach to evaluate the perspectives of 81 students and 6 tutors within a specific pedagogical approach. Given the small sample size and delimitation of the one-course approach, findings from this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Furthermore, a longer duration is needed to address collaborative learning challenges. Nevertheless, it provides valuable data for future studies and also offers pedagogical options for other schools to consider implementing and studying.

Originality/value
The collaborative pedagogical approach experimented in this study was the first initiative of its kind in Karachi, between a younger institution, AED-SSUET and a more established one which was DAP-NED. A four-week collaborative design studio exercise of AD-I engaging third-semester students of AED-SSUET[1] and DAP-NED[2] was a hybrid approach that combined conventional design studio with live project to promote a novel and effective collaborative learning method. In the process, students were encouraged to interact competitively with peers, facilitated by rigorous engagement of focal design tutors from both Architecture departments. It also influenced the active participation of experts from the industry and Architecture community and was exclusively designed to eliminate the pairing up of a single tutor with one student each. The students at AED-SSUET were also able to build a 1:1 scale project with an allocated budget and time-frame constraints.
Creating value in firms at different management levels
Authors: van Straten Roeland 
Published: October 2019

PurposeValue is created for firms’ owners when profits outweigh investments over a given time period. This paper aims to distinguish where, within firms, strategic thinking is required for the purposes of creating value.Design/methodology/approachA novel framework is developed, which explains how six sources of value can be identified and logically related to six practical value management levels.FindingsImportantly, only one source of value, namely, autonomous revenue growth, demands true strategic thinking because it represents an unknown outcome from the strategist’s perspective. This source of value can be tapped into at any decision-making level.Originality/valueThis paper clarifies and emphasises that demonstrating strategic wisdom is possible for anyone within a firm and ultimately, it resolves down to the thinking and decision making that increases the chances of generating higher, earlier and more frequent future incoming cash flows.
Intelligence level analysis for crowd networks based on business entropy
Authors: Li Zhouxia , Pan Zhiwen , Wang Xiaoni , Ji Wen , Yang Feng 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Intelligence level of a crowd network is defined as the expected reward of the network when completing the latest tasks (e.g. last N tasks). The purpose of this paper is to improve the intelligence level of a crowd network by optimizing the profession distribution of the crowd network.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the concept of information entropy, this paper introduces the concept of business entropy and puts forward several factors affecting business entropy to analyze the relationship between the intelligence level and the profession distribution of the crowd network. This paper introduced Profession Distribution Deviation and Subject Interaction Pattern as the two factors which affect business entropy. By quantifying and combining the two factors, a Multi-Factor Business Entropy Quantitative (MFBEQ) model is proposed to calculate the business entropy of a crowd network. Finally, the differential evolution model and k-means clustering are applied to crowd intelligence network, and the species distribution of intelligent subjects is found, so as to achieve quantitative analysis of business entropy.

Findings
By establishing the MFBEQ model, this paper found that when the profession distribution of a crowd network is deviate less to the expected distribution, the intelligence level of a crowd network will be higher. Moreover, when subjects within the crowd network interact with each other more actively, the intelligence level of a crowd network becomes higher.

Originality/value
This paper aims to build the MFBEQ model according to factors that are related to business entropy and then uses the model to evaluate the intelligence level of a number of crowd networks.
Participatory-based risk impact propagation and interaction pattern analysis using social network analysis
Authors: Ongkowijoyo Citra S. , Doloi Hemanta , Mills Anthony 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to develop a novel risk analysis model that uses both participatory and computerized techniques to capture and model the dynamic of risk impact propagation and interaction pattern.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, an integrated model, applying modified participatory method and novel dichotomize procedure in the perspectives of social network topological analysis, is developed.

Findings
Based on the analysis output, it is found that; (i) the risk propagation is characterized by its dynamic and non-linear impact pattern, and (ii) the risk interaction is distinguished based on the degree of connectedness between various risks.

Research limitations/implications
This research assumes that the risk impact propagation and interaction pattern within the risk network are static. Further research is required to analyze the risk network in dynamic circumstances.

Practical implications
This research contributes in delivering practical tools that could potentially provide a further path for developing mitigation strategy and policies that seek to address the complexity of risk phenomena, and thus enhance community resilience.

Social implications
This research reveals some underlying patterns of how the risk impact propagation and interaction pattern are structured. Thus, it can help decision-makers make formal arrangements of particular urban infrastructure (UI) governance visible toward building risk plan and mitigation strategies.

Originality/value
This research contributes to filling the risk management knowledge gap. It is suggested that analyzing risk using a network approach is suited to capture the intricate processes that shape the complexity of UI risk structural network. By validating the model, this research shows the applicability and capability of the model to improve both the RA accuracy and decision making effectiveness towards risk mitigation plan and strategy.
Stock keeping unit rationalization: a cross-functional, cross-firm perspective
Authors: Enz Matias G. , Schwieterman Matthew A. , Lambert Douglas M. 
Published: October 2019

PurposeAlthough managers have struggled with SKU proliferation for decades, research has provided inconsistent guidance, and the cross-functional and cross-firm aspects of the problem were not considered. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that favor successful and sustainable SKU rationalization.Design/methodology/approachA single case study was used to investigate the implementation of an SKU rationalization project by a national restaurant chain in collaboration with its food distributor. Qualitative data analysis techniques were used to understand managers’ perceptions about the SKU rationalization problem and the financial results that were achieved.FindingsThe findings include seven propositions that begin to formalize theory for SKU rationalization. Cross-functional involvement was both a challenge and a critical success factor, and the supplier was an important resource for managing product variety and complexity.Research limitations/implicationsSeven propositions are provided that increase the likelihood of successfully dealing with SKU proliferation.Practical implicationsSKU proliferation increases supply chain complexity and leads to higher costs. The research reports on an SKU rationalization project that saved a company and its supplier $6.7m.Originality/valueA previously unexplored theoretical perspective on SKU rationalization was employed that emphasizes cross-functional alignment, buyer–supplier relationships and the impact on financial performance of a firm.
Designing for mathematical play: failure and feedback
Authors: Williams-Pierce Caro 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore three different types of digital environments for mathematics learning that may support mathematical play and the failure and feedback mechanics present in each.Design/methodology/approachInteraction analysis and the lenses of failure, feedback and mathematical play are used to analyze the mathematical interactions afforded by three different digital environments.FindingsEach digital environment supports or restrains the potential for mathematical play through mathematical representations, failure and feedback.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of this paper is to highlight different ways in which digital failure and feedback designs can influence the emergent experience of mathematical play.