bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the promotion effects of uncertain level discount: evidence from China
Authors: Tan Hongying , Akram Umair , Sui Yujia 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Uncertain level discount (ULD) is a type of promotion combining regular discount (RD) with uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of ULD on consumers’ perceived quality compared with RD and to identify the relevant influencing mechanism and boundary for the effectiveness of ULD.

Design/methodology/approach
Three online experiments were conducted with 445 participants from China. First, experiment 1 compares the attractiveness of ULD and RD. Second, experiment 2 evaluates the impacts of ULD and RD on consumers’ perceived quality and clarifies the mechanism in this process. Finally, experiment 3 examines the moderating effect of product knowledge.

Findings
ULD has the same level of attractiveness as RD with equivalent expected discount value for consumers. Besides, consumers in ULD give higher ratings to product quality compared with those in RD, and the lower diagnosticity of price cues in ULD underlies the differential effects of ULD vs RD. Furthermore, product knowledge moderates the relationship between the two promotions and perceived quality.

Practical implications
The findings provide valuable guidance for managers to conduct promotional campaigns. ULD is an effective promotion to attract consumers to purchase with keeping consumers’ perceived quality high, and such effectiveness will rise for products that consumers are unfamiliar with. Managers can make rational use of ULD to achieve positive promotion results in both the short and long term.

Originality/value
Few studies pay attention to the long-term effects of the uncertain promotion. This research profoundly investigates the impact of ULD on perceived quality, which complements existing studies from a more integrated perspective that combines short- and long-term effects. Also, this research identifies the mechanism based on the cue diagnosticity theory and puts forward a new explanation for positive uncertainty in uncertain promotions. Finally, this research applies the impact of product knowledge on information process strategies into the uncertain promotion, which clarifies the utility boundary of ULD from a new perspective and offers a more comprehensive understanding for this promotion.
Wave refocusing for linear diffractor using the time‐reversal principle
Authors: Keydar Shemer , Landa Evgeny 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTOne of the problems encountered in a variety of near‐surface investigations is detecting and mapping localized heterogeneities. The heterogeneities may be classified under two kinds of objects: (1) a point diffractor that can be considered as an approximation of a small quasi‐isometric, such as small karstic cavities and caves; (2) a linear diffractor roughly approximating an elongated object, such as a tube or fault plane. The point and linear diffractors generate two types of seismic diffraction: tip and edge waves, respectively. During the last few decades, different methods were proposed by many researchers for detecting these heterogeneities utilizing seismic waves diffracted by them. An alternative method for detecting point diffractors using a time‐reversal principle combined with focusing analysis is proposed in this study: we present an extension of the time‐reversal method for linear diffractors. It consists of a coherent summation of seismic energy along edge‐diffraction traveltimes. Real data examples show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method.
Three‐dimensional electrical exploration methods for the mapping of polymetallic targets in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Gong Shengping , Yang Yabin , Lin Pinrong , Wu Wenli , Zheng Caijun , Shi Fusheng , Wu Xiaoping , Weng Aihua , Zhang Guangzhi , Gu Guanwen , Ye Yixin 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTWe describe a three‐dimensional electrical exploration system, and its use in carrying out a three‐dimensional survey on a polymetallic deposit located in China's Gansu Province. A time‐domain‐induced polarization method, along with a controlled‐source audiomagnetotelluric method, was used to survey the same station points for comparison. Then, a three‐dimensional inversion based on the incomplete Gauss–Newton method (for time‐domain‐induced polarization) and a nonlinear conjugate gradient (for controlled‐source audiomagnetotelluric) method were developed and applied in order to model the data sets. Four subsurface targets were mapped by the three‐dimensional electrical exploration method. A strong correlation was found between the zones of the revealed ore‐bearing anomalies and the geological setting. Using the results of the three‐dimensional electrical exploration, we revealed the spatial distribution of the ore‐bearing stratum, as well as the relationship between the ore bodies and the stratum. The results potentially provided evidence for future interpretations of deep geological structures, along with evaluations of mineral resources.
Plagiarism and data falsification are the most common reasons for retracted publications in obstetrics and gynaecology
Authors: Chambers LM , Michener CM , Falcone T 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the number of retracted articles and to examine the reasons for retraction within the obstetrics and gynaecology literature.DesignRetrospective review of the PubMed database.SettingN/A.PopulationObstetrics and gynaecology articles published from indexation until June 2018.MethodsArticles were identified using keywords for retracted articles in obstetrics and gynaecology. Descriptive statistics were performed.Main outcome measuresIncidence of article retraction, the reasons given for retraction, and article demographics.ResultsA total of 176 articles were identified with a median time to retraction of 2 years; over three‐quarters were retracted within the last decade (n = 136; 77.3%). The median journal impact factor was 2.5 (range of 0.26–52.67). Subspecialties with the highest number of retractions were gynaecological oncology (n = 76; 43.2%), gynaecology (n = 36; 20.5%), and obstetrics (n = 31; 17.6%). Among 176 first authors, 18 authors (10.2%) had two or more retracted articles. Clinical research articles accounted for approximately one‐half of the retracted articles (n = 87; 49.4%). Among the clinical studies, 10.2% (n = 18) were randomised control trials, 16.5% (n = 29) were prospective trials and 13.1% (n = 23) were retrospective studies. Plagiarism (n = 40; 22.7%) and data falsification (n = 37; 21.0%) were the most common reasons given for retraction.ConclusionArticle retraction within the obstetrics and gynaecology literature is increasing. The most frequently cited reasons for article retractions were plagiarism, errors in data, fabricated results, article duplication, and compromised peer review. Consequences of article retractions to patient care and the scientific community can be significant. The thorough screening of manuscripts prior to publication should be prioritised.Tweetable abstractThe rate of retraction in obstetrics and gynaecology is increasing; the most common reason for retraction is plagiarism.
Decidual stromal cells promote the differentiation of CD56brightCD16−NK cells by secreting IL‐24 in early pregnancy
Authors: Yang Hui‐Li , Zhou Wen‐Jie , Lu Han , Lei Sha‐Ting , Ha Si‐Yao , Lai Zhen‐Zhen , Zheng Zi‐Meng , Ruan Lu‐Yu , He Yin‐Yan , Li Da‐Jin , Li Ming‐Qing , Shao Jun 
Published: March 2019

ProblemDecidual stromal cells (DSCs) are important origins of cytokines to modulate maternal‐fetal immunotolerance and provide a feasible environment for embryo implantation and development. Interleukin (IL)‐24 is a multifunctional cancer killing cytokine and a pleiotropic immunoregulator with complex potency according to tissue or cell types. Its role in establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy is largely unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the function and significance of IL‐24 and its receptor in the coordination between DSCs and natural killer cells (NK) in early pregnancy.
Method of study
The levels of IL‐24 in DSC, endometrial stromal cell (ESC), peripheral blood NK cells (pNK), or decidual NK cells (dNK) culture supernatants were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the levels of IL‐24 receptors were determined by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and flow cytometry assays. The effect of IL‐24 on the functions of decidual NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry assays in vitro.
Results
The concentration of IL‐24 in culture supernatant of DSCs was significantly higher than that of ESCs. Both eNK (endometrial NK cells) and dNK highly expressed IL‐24 receptors (IL‐20R1 and IL‐22R1), especially on CD56dim eNK. However, there were extremely low levels of IL‐20R1 and IL‐22R1 on pNK. Recombinant human IL‐24 or DSCs‐secreted IL‐24 downregulated the levels of CD16, Granzyme B, perforin, and interferon (IFN)‐γ and upregulated the levels of inhibitory receptors killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR)2DL1 and KIR3DL1, or immunotolerant or angiogenic cytokines (eg, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, IL‐10, and IL‐8), and elevated the percentage of CD56brightCD16−dNK in vitro.
Conclusion
These data suggest that DSCs promote the differentiation of CD56brightCD16−NK with high levels of inhibitory receptors, immunotolerant, and angiogenic cytokines by secreting IL‐24 during decidualization in early pregnancy.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses cellular proteins CXCL10 and IL8 to enhance HIV‐1 transmission across cervical mucosa
Authors: Sanyal Anwesha , Shen Chengli , Ding Ming , Reinhart Todd A. , Chen Yue , Sankapal Soni , Gupta Phalguni 
Published: March 2019

ProblemNeisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection has been shown to increase sexual transmission of HIV‐1. However, the mechanism of NG‐induced enhanced HIV‐1 transmission is unknown.Methods(a) The cervical tissues were exposed to NG, and cytokine induction was monitored by measuring cytokine proteins in culture supernatants and cytokine mRNAs in tissues. (b) Transcription and replication of HIV‐1 in TZM‐bl, U1, and ACH2 cells were measured by Beta‐Gal activity and p24 proteins in the supernatant, respectively. (c) HIV‐1 transmission was assayed in an organ culture system by measuring transmitted HIV‐1 in supernatant and HIV‐1 gag mRNA in the tissues. (d) Transcriptome analysis was done using second generation sequencing.Results(a) NG induced membrane ruffling of epithelial layer, caused migration of CD3+ cells to the intraepithelial region, and induced high levels of inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α. (b) NG‐induced supernatants (NGIS) increased HIV‐1 transcription, induced HIV‐1 from latently infected cells, and increased transmission of HIV‐1 across cervical mucosa. (c) Transcriptome analysis of the epithelial layer of the tissues exposed to NG, and HIV‐1 showed significant upregulation of CXCL10 and IL8. IL‐1β increased the induction of CXCL10 and IL‐8 expression in cervical mucosa with a concomitant increase in HIV‐1 transmission.ConclusionWe present a model in which IL‐1β produced from cervical epithelium during NG exposure increases CXCL10 and IL8 in epithelia. This in turn causes upon HIV‐1 infection, the migration of HIV‐1 target cells toward the subepithelium, resulting in increased HIV‐1 transcription in the sub‐mucosa and subsequent enhancement of transmission across cervical mucosa.
The role and mechanism of vitamin D‐mediated regulation of Treg/Th17 balance in recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ji Jinlu , Zhai Hui , Zhou Hui , Song Su , Mor Gil , Liao Aihua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractProblemVitamin D has a pivotal role in regulating immune responses in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), but the underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. This study aimed to determine the correlation between vitamin D and Treg/Th17 and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Treg/Th17 balance in RPL patients.Methods of studyThe level of vitamin D was determined in women with normal pregnancy and RPL by electrochemiluminescence. The percentages of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg, CD4+IL‐17+ Th17, and CD4+Foxp3+IL‐17+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry before and after vitamin D supplementation. Changes about Treg/Th17 balance after culturing with active vitamin D in vitro were determined. Vitamin D metabolic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also detected by RT‐PCR.ResultsCompared with normal pregnancy, both the level of vitamin D and the Treg/Th17 ratio were significantly decreased in women with RPL. There was a positive correlation between the level of vitamin D and the Treg/Th17 ratio in the RPL group. Within the RPL group, those who received 2 months of vitamin D supplementation showed a significantly increased Treg/Th17 ratio compared with those without vitamin D supplementation. In vitro analysis showed that adding different concentrations of active vitamin D increased the Treg/Th17 ratio, also the mRNA levels of the vitamin D receptor and the metabolic enzyme CYP24A1 increased significantly.ConclusionThe occurrence of RPL may be related to vitamin D insufficiency and Treg/Th17 imbalance. The Treg/Th17 imbalance seen in women with RPL can be restored by vitamin D supplementation both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of vitamin D on the immune regulation of RPL indicate that vitamin D might be used as an alternative therapy in the future.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and treatment of gonorrhoea patients in Ternopil and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine, 2013–2018
Authors: Boiko Iryna , Golparian Daniel , Krynytska Inna , Bezkorovaina Halyna , Frankenberg Arkadii , Onuchyna Margarita , Jacobsson Susanne , Unemo Magnus 
Published: March 2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major public health concern globally. However, recent gonococcal AMR data from Eastern Europe are extremely limited and no AMR data for strains spreading in Ukraine have ever been internationally published. We investigated the AMR of N. gonorrhoeae isolates in two regions of Ukraine (Ternopil 2013–2018, Dnipropetrovsk 2013–2014), and, where information was available, the treatment administered to the corresponding gonorrhoea patients. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of eight antimicrobials was performed using Etest and resistance breakpoints from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) were applied. Overall, 9.3% of the examined 150 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 6.0% to tetracycline, 2.0% to azithromycin, and 0.7% to benzylpenicillin. No isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cefixime, spectinomycin, or gentamicin. However, one (0.7%) isolate showed a MIC value of 0.125 mg/L for both ceftriaxone and cefixime, i.e., bordering resistance. Eighty‐eight (67.2%) of 131 patients were administered dual therapy (ceftriaxone 1 g plus doxycycline/clarithromycin/azithromycin/ofloxacin) and 22 (16.8%) ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy. Worryingly, 21 (16.0%) patients received monotherapy with clarithromycin/doxycycline/azithromycin/ofloxacin/benzylpenicillin. In conclusion, the antimicrobial susceptibility of gonococcal strains spreading in Ternopil and Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine during 2013–2018 was high. Low levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, azithromycin, and benzylpenicillin were found, but no resistance to the internationally recommended ceftriaxone, cefixime, or spectinomycin. Ceftriaxone 1 g should remain as empiric first‐line treatment, in dual therapy with azithromycin or doxycycline or in monotherapy. Continued and expanded gonococcal AMR surveillance in Ukraine is essential to monitor the susceptibility to particularly extended‐spectrum cephalosporins, azithromycin and doxycycline.
A dedicated high‐quality service for the management of patients with an inherited risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Adams L. K. , Qiu S. , Hunt A. K. , Monahan K. J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimTo demonstrate the quality improvement associated with the implementation of a specialist family history of bowel cancer service in secondary care.MethodThe following outcomes were assessed: (1) adherence to the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines for colonoscopic surveillance of individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC); (2) adherence to the revised Bethesda criteria for the identification of CRC patients with suspected Lynch syndrome; (3) identification of inherited syndromes with increased CRC risk; and (4) colonoscopic adenoma detection rate. Data were collected for a 21‐month period before and after the establishment of this service for all patients who underwent colonoscopic surveillance for a family history of CRC and all patients newly diagnosed with CRC. Analyses compared the number of colonoscopies performed that were not indicated by BSG guidelines, the average number of years early that patients were screened, the adenoma detection rate and the rate of tumour testing for mismatch repair genes before and after the implementation of the service.ResultsFollowing the establishment of the service there was a reduction in the number of colonoscopies not indicated by BSG guidelines (39.6% before and 5.8% after, P < 0.001, chi‐square test) and surveillance colonoscopy took place at a more appropriate age (10.6 years too early before and 5.9 years early after, P = 0.01, t‐test). There was an increased adenoma detection rate (17% before and 31.9% after, P < 0.01, chi‐square test) and increased tumour MMR testing (3.4% before and 91.8% after, P < 0.01, chi‐square test).ConclusionThe introduction of a family history of bowel cancer service results in improved patient care through improved adherence to guidelines for colonoscopic surveillance and increased cancer detection rates.
Donor‐derived infections: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Wolfe Cameron R. , Ison Michael G. ,   the AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: March 2019

AbstractThese updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation will review the current state of the art of donor‐derived infections. Specifically, the guideline will summarize standardized definitions and approaches to defining imputability, updated data on the epidemiology of donor‐derived infections, and approaches to risk mitigation against transmission of infections. This update will additionally provide guidance on the use of HIV+ donors in HIV+ recipients, the use of HCV‐viremic donors in non‐viremic recipients, donors with endemic infections, and donors with bacteremia, meningitis, and encephalitis. Lastly, the guidance will summarize an approach to recipients with a suspected donor‐derived infection.
Landscape genomics to the rescue of a tropical bee threatened by habitat loss and climate change
Authors: Jaffé Rodolfo , Veiga Jamille C. , Pope Nathaniel S. , Lanes Éder C. M. , Carvalho Carolina S. , Alves Ronnie , Andrade Sónia C. S. , Arias Maria C. , Bonatti Vanessa , Carvalho Airton T. , de Castro Marina S. , Contrera Felipe A. L. , Francoy Tiago M. , Freitas Breno M. , Giannini Tereza C. , Hrncir Michael , Martins Celso F. , Oliveira Guilherme , Saraiva Antonio M. , Souza Bruno A. , Imperatriz‐Fonseca Vera L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHabitat degradation and climate change are currently threatening wild pollinators, compromising their ability to provide pollination services to wild and cultivated plants. Landscape genomics offers powerful tools to assess the influence of landscape modifications on genetic diversity and functional connectivity, and to identify adaptations to local environmental conditions that could facilitate future bee survival. Here, we assessed range‐wide patterns of genetic structure, genetic diversity, gene flow, and local adaptation in the stingless bee Melipona subnitida, a tropical pollinator of key biological and economic importance inhabiting one of the driest and hottest regions of South America. Our results reveal four genetic clusters across the species’ full distribution range. All populations were found to be under a mutation–drift equilibrium, and genetic diversity was not influenced by the amount of reminiscent natural habitats. However, genetic relatedness was spatially autocorrelated and isolation by landscape resistance explained range‐wide relatedness patterns better than isolation by geographic distance, contradicting earlier findings for stingless bees. Specifically, gene flow was enhanced by increased thermal stability, higher forest cover, lower elevations, and less corrugated terrains. Finally, we detected genomic signatures of adaptation to temperature, precipitation, and forest cover, spatially distributed in latitudinal and altitudinal patterns. Taken together, our findings shed important light on the life history of M. subnitida and highlight the role of regions with large thermal fluctuations, deforested areas, and mountain ranges as dispersal barriers. Conservation actions such as restricting long‐distance colony transportation, preserving local adaptations, and improving the connectivity between highlands and lowlands are likely to assure future pollination services.
Imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation is relieved by knockdown of sodium channel Nax
Authors: Zhao Jingling , Xie Ping , Galiano Robert D. , Qi Shaohai , Mao Renxiang , Mustoe Thomas A. , Hong Seok Jong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNax is an atypical sodium channel that mediates inflammatory pathways in pathological conditions of the skin. In this study, we developed a skin inflammation model in the rabbit ear through application of imiquimod (IMQ). Knockdown of Nax using RNAi attenuated IMQ‐induced skin inflammation, including skin erythema, scaling and papule formation. Histologic analysis showed that thickening and insufficient differentiation of the epidermis found in psoriasis‐like skin were normalized by administration of Nax‐RNAi. Excessive infiltration of inflammatory cells found in inflammatory lesions, such as mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, T cells and macrophages, was reduced by Nax‐RNAi. Expression of S100A9, which is a downstream gene of Nax and a mediator of inflammation, was decreased by Nax‐RNAi. Our results demonstrated that knockdown of Nax ameliorated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in vivo. Thus, targeting of Nax may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of psoriasis.