bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal factors & consequences of business model innovation
Authors: Bashir Makhmoor , Verma Rajesh 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model of business model innovation based on evidences from the past literature. The paper established a link between business model innovation (BMI) strategic flexibility, competitive advantage and firm competence.Design/methodology/approachThe study was approached from a theoretical perspective using previous literature on BMI from 2000 to 2017, as per the recommendations of Tranfieldet al.(2003). A total of 104 conceptual and empirical articles on BMI research spanning from 2000 to 2017 were analyzed based on different classification schemes.FindingsThe study proposed a theoretical model of BMI and discussed how the various internal factors, such as organizational culture, organizational structure, organizational inertia, leadership and technology drive BMI. The study highlighted how BMI gives companies sustainable competitive advantage. The study also highlighted that the BMI is an important predictor of firm performance and strategic flexibility. Further, the study found that the firm size and firm inexperience mediate the influence of BMI on firm competence.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights how BMI can be a source of sustainable competitive advantage and enhance the firm competitiveness and strategic flexibility of a firm.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind which has developed a conceptual model on the various internal factors and consequences of BMI. The study highlighted how BMI is an important predictor of firm performance, competitive advantage and strategic flexibility.
Rhizoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons: a model system for plant microbiome manipulation
Authors: Correa‐García Sara , Pande Pranav , Séguin Armand , St‐Arnaud Marc , Yergeau Etienne 
Published: August 2018

SummaryPhytoremediation is a green and sustainable alternative to physico‐chemical methods for contaminated soil remediation. One of the flavours of phytoremediation is rhizoremediation, where plant roots stimulate soil microbes to degrade organic contaminants. This approach is particularly interesting as it takes advantage of naturally evolved interaction mechanisms between plant and microorganisms and often results in a complete mineralization of the contaminants (i.e. transformation to water and CO2). However, many biotic and abiotic factors influence the outcome of this interaction, resulting in variable efficiency of the remediation process. The difficulty to predict precisely the timeframe associated with rhizoremediation leads to low adoption rates of this green technology. Here, we review recent literature related to rhizoremediation, with a particular focus on soil organisms. We then expand on the potential of rhizoremediation to be a model plant‐microbe interaction system for microbiome manipulation studies.
Two NAD‐independent l‐lactate dehydrogenases drive l‐lactate utilization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Wang Yujiao , Xiao Dan , Liu Qiuyuan , Zhang Yipeng , Hu Chunxia , Sun Jinkai , Yang Chunyu , Xu Ping , Ma Cuiqing , Gao Chao 
Published: August 2018

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosa often establishes a chronic infection in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). l‐Lactate is the most abundant carbon source in the CF sputum, and l‐lactate utilization may be important for P. aeruginosa to survive in the lungs of CF patients. In this study, the key enzymes involved in l‐lactate utilization by P. aeruginosa PAO1 were characterized using the synthetic CF sputum medium (SCFM). A highly conserved membrane‐bound NAD‐independent l‐lactate dehydrogenase (l‐iLDH) encoded by lldD (PA4771) and a novel flavin‐containing membrane‐bound l‐iLDH encoded by lldA (PA2382) were both found to contribute to l‐lactate utilization by P. aeruginosa PAO1. In addition, an lldD and lldA double mutant was incapable of growing in a medium containing l‐lactate as the sole carbon source. This study clarifies the mechanism and importance of l‐lactate catabolism, and demonstrates the first Pseudomonas spp. expressing two l‐lactate‐oxidizing enzymes.
Dysregulated uterine natural killer cells and vascular remodeling in women with recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: El‐Azzamy Haidy , Dambaeva Svetlana V. , Katukurundage Dimantha , Salazar Garcia Maria D. , Skariah Annie , Hussein Youssef , Germain Alfredo , Fernandez Emilio , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth D. , Kwak‐Kim Joanne 
Published: August 2018

ProblemAngiogenesis and vascular remodeling in secretory endometrium represent one of the crucial steps in pregnancy establishment, for which uterine NK (uNK) cells have an important role. Impairment of these steps may proceed to implantation and instigate initial pathology of recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). In this study, we aim to investigate vascular development and density of uNK cells in secretory endometrium of women with RPL.Methods of studyMid‐secretory phase endometrial tissues from women with RPL (n = 15) and fertile controls (n = 7) were investigated. CD56+ and CD16+ uNK cells, CD31+ vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle myosin (SMM)+. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) expressing SMM were investigated using immunohistochemistry and western blot. High‐throughput quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used as well.ResultsCD56+ uNK number was significantly higher in women with RPL compared to controls (P < 0.0001). uNK cell density by immunohistochemistry was positively correlated with CD56 mRNA expression by qRT‐PCR (r2 = 0.43, P = 0.0137). The number of blood vessels represented by the expression of either CD31 or SMM was higher in women with RPL as compared to controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and correlated with the number of uNK cell (r2 = 0.18, P < 0.04, and r2 = 0.65, P < 0.0001, respectively). The wall thickness of spiral arteries was significantly higher in women with RPL as compared with that of controls (P = 0.0027).ConclusionIncreased uNK cells in mid‐secretory endometrium are associated with increased vascularization and defective vascular transformation of spiral arteries in women with RPL.
European Academy of Andrology guideline Management of oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia
Authors: Colpi G. M. , Francavilla S. , Haidl G. , Link K. , Behre H. M. , Goulis D. G. , Krausz C. , Giwercman A. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundOligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia is frequently reported in men from infertile couples. Its etiology remains, in the majority of cases, unknown with a variety of factors to contribute to its pathogenesis. The aim of this European Academy of Andrology guideline was to provide an overview of these factors and to discuss available management options.Materials and MethodsPubMed was searched for papers in English for articles with search terms: male infertility and oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia. For evidence‐based recommendations, the GRADE system was applied. Issues related to urogenital infections/inflammations have not been included in this document as they will be covered by separate guidelines.ResultsFor men with oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia, the European Academy of Andrology recommends:

A general physical examination to assess signs of hypogonadism.

A scrotal physical examination to assess (i) the testes and epididymes for volume and consistency, (ii) deferent ducts for total or partial absence, and (iii) occurrence of varicocoele.

Performing two semen analyses, according to World Health Organization guidelines to define an oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia.

An endocrine evaluation.

A scrotal ultrasound as part of routine investigation.

Karyotype analysis and assessment of Yq microdeletions in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤5 × 106/mL.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene evaluation in case of suspicion for incomplete congenital obstruction of the genital tract.

Against quitting physical activity to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy.

Against androgen replacement therapy to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy.

Assisted reproduction techniques to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy, in case other treatment options are not available or not efficient.

Androgen replacement therapy in patients with biochemical/clinical signs of hypogonadism, after completion of the fertility treatment.

ConclusionThese guidelines can be applied in clinical work and indicate future research needs.
Computer vision for total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Sato Masakazu , Koizumi Minako , Nakabayashi Minoru , Inaba Kei , Takahashi Yu , Nagashima Natsuki , Ki Hiroshi , Itaoka Nao , Ueshima Chiharu , Nakata Maki , Hasumi Yoko 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic surgery is widely performed in various surgical fields, but this technique requires time for surgeons to master. However, at the same time, there are many advantages in visualizing the operative field through a camera. In other words, we can visualize what we cannot see with our own eyes by using augmented reality and computer vision. Therefore, we investigated the possibilities and usefulness of computer vision in total laparoscopic hysterectomy.MethodsThis study was approved by the Mitsui Memorial Hospital ethics committee. Patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy at Mitsui Memorial Hospital from January 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled. We evaluated 19 cases in which total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed by the same operator and assistant. We used the Open Source Computer Vision Library for computer vision analysis. The development platform used in this study was a computer operating on Mac OS X 10.11.3.ResultsWe created panoramic images by matching features with the AKAZE algorithm. Noise reduction methods improved haziness caused by using energy devices. By abstracting the color of the suture string, we succeeded in abstracting the suture string from movies. We could not achieve satisfactory results in detecting ureters, and we expect that creative ideas for ureter detection may arise from collaborations between surgeons and medical engineers.ConclusionsAlthough this was a preliminary study, the results suggest the utility of computer vision in assisting laparoscopic surgery.
Big data analytics in economics: What have we learned so far, and where should we go from here?
Authors: Swanson Norman R. , Xiong Weiqi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractResearch into predictive accuracy testing remains at the forefront of the forecasting field. One reason for this is that rankings of predictive accuracy across alternative models, which under misspecification are loss function dependent, are universally utilized to assess the usefulness of econometric models. A second reason, which corresponds to the objective of this paper, is that researchers are currently focusing considerable attention on so‐called big data and on new (and old) tools that are available for the analysis of this data. One of the objectives in this field is the assessment of whether big data leads to improvement in forecast accuracy. In this survey paper, we discuss some of the latest (and most interesting) methods currently available for analyzing and utilizing big data when the objective is improved prediction. Our discussion includes a summary of various so‐called dimension reduction, shrinkage and machine learning methods as well as a summary of recent tools that are useful for ranking prediction models associated with the implementation of these methods. We also provide a brief empirical illustration of big data in action, in which we show that big data are indeed useful when predicting the term structure of interest rates.
Housing market dynamics and macroprudential policies
Authors: Bruneau Gabriel , Christensen Ian , Meh Césaire 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the implications of macroprudential and monetary policies for credit cycles, housing market stability and spillovers to consumption. We consider a countercyclical loan‐to‐value (LTV) policy that responds to a credit‐to‐income ratio, and we compare its effectiveness with a permanent tightening of the LTV ratio and a monetary policy rule that responds to credit. To this end, we construct a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with housing market, household debt and collateral constraints, and we estimate it with Canadian data using Bayesian methods. Our study suggests that a countercyclical LTV ratio is a useful policy to reduce spillovers from the housing market into consumption and to lean against housing market boom–bust cycles. It performs better than the permanent tightening of the LTV ratio—a policy that has been used in a number of countries—and the monetary policy rule, both in terms of the stabilization of household indebtedness and spillovers into consumption. Monetary policy that leans against the wind is the least desirable due to its large adverse consequences on the real economy.
Swept‐source optical coherence tomography angiography features of sub‐retinal fibrosis in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Balaskas Konstantinos , Ali Zaria C. , Saddik Tarik , Gemenetzi Maria , Patel Praveen , Aslam Tariq M. 
Published: August 2018

ImportanceThe study highlights the role of optical coherence angiography in the management of patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) who have developed sub‐retinal fibrosis.BackgroundDevelopment of sub‐retinal fibrosis in the context of nAMD is known to adversely affect visual function. The aim of this study is to assess structure and flow features obtained through swept‐source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with sub‐retinal fibrosis and associate these with visual acuity (VA).DesignInstitutional retrospective cohort study.ParticipantsA total 39 eyes of 39 patients with nAMD with sub‐retinal fibrosis imaged with OCTA were included in this study.MethodsPatients underwent swept‐source OCTA. Thickness of sub‐retinal hyper‐reflective material (SHRM) and presence and configuration of a choroidal neovascular membrane were recorded in each case.Main Outcome MeasuresA univariate multiple regression was performed seeking associations between VA and structural and flow OCTA features.ResultsAverage VA on the date of OCTA was 53 ± 22 ETDRS letters. Average thickness of centre‐involving SHRM was 157 ± 73 μm. A choroidal neovascular membrane was detectable in 26 cases and not detectable in 13. VA was independently influenced by thickness of SHRM (P = 0.034) and presence of a detectable choroidal neovascular membrane (P = 0.02) on OCTA.Conclusions and RelevancePoorer VA in patients with nAMD and sub‐retinal fibrosis is associated with presence of a detectable neovascular membrane on OCTA. The role of OCTA to guide nuanced management decisions in this patient population may be significant.
‘Say no’: a feasibility trial of a brief intervention to reduce instances of indulgent energy‐intake episodes
Authors: Madigan C. D. , Hill A. J. , Hendy C. , Burk J. , Caterson I. D. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a brief intervention to reduce instances of indulgent energy intake. Forty‐five participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg m−2 were randomized to one of three groups for 8 weeks. The control group was asked to complete a questionnaire every 4 days, the self‐monitoring group was given the same instructions but also asked to ’say no’ to indulgences. The self‐monitoring and feedback group was asked to do the same but in addition to send a photograph or description of that to which they had ‘said no’ and were then provided with feedback. All participants reported on indulgences for 7 days prospectively at baseline and 8‐week follow‐up. The follow‐up rate was 80%; completion of questionnaires was 63% and 87 text messages were sent. The control group reduced their indulgences by 4.1 (SD 10.0), the self‐monitoring group by 13.8 (SD 16.8) and self‐monitoring and feedback group by 9.0 (SD 11.7) per week. All bar one, feasibility progression criteria were met and this was the return of the indulgence diaries during the intervention period. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a brief intervention to reduce the number of indulgences people ate. The progression criteria were met and areas of improvement are highlighted.
Correlates of elevated blood pressure in healthy children: a systematic review
Authors: Fowokan A. O. , Sakakibara B. M. , Onsel N. , Punthakee Z. , Waddell C. , Rosin M. , Lear S. A. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe prevalence of hypertension in children is increasing globally. Addressing this will require a robust understanding of associated risk factors. To this end, we conducted a systematic review to identify correlates of elevated blood pressure (BP) in children. Literature searches were conducted using pre‐defined search terms from three academic databases. The abstract and full text of identified studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. A total of 100 studies were included in this systematic review. An assessment tool was first used to assess study quality; a narrative synthesis was then performed. We found a broad range of physiological, social and behavioural factors associated with elevated BP in children. The most common correlate observed was adiposity, suggesting that childhood obesity may be implicated in the increased prevalence of hypertension observed in children. However, the broad range of other factors identified underscores the multi‐factorial aetiology of hypertension. Data from a broad range of studies showed that the correlates of hypertension in children are multi‐factorial. Therefore, approaches aimed at preventing hypertension must in turn be multi‐factorial to ensure that the burden of hypertension in childhood is addressed.
Mapping standards to patents using declarations of standard‐essential patents
Authors: Baron Justus , Pohlmann Tim 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper describes a new database of declared standard‐essential patents (SEPs), discusses methods for matching declared SEPs to specific standard documents, and presents empirical evidence on technology standards subject to declared SEPs. Although there is a growing body of empirical research using data on declared SEPs, this research has so far focused on the declared patents, and neglected the implications of SEP declarations for specific standards. Furthermore, we present a new methodology for matching standards with technology classes, using the classification of declared SEPs. This method allows identifying other standard‐related patents, and provides information on technological relationships between standards and standard‐related patenting. The paper discusses opportunities for new empirical research using databases of declared SEPs and data on patenting in standard‐related technology classes.
Organic and mineralogic heterogeneity of the Paris meteorite followed by FTIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Dionnet Z. , Aleon‐Toppani A. , Baklouti D. , Borondics F. , Brisset F. , Djouadi Z. , Sandt C. , Brunetto R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSignificant compositional and structural heterogeneity at nm to mm scales is an important characteristic of primitive extraterrestrial materials. Here, we report the analysis of high‐resolution Fourier transform IR hyperspectral imaging analytical measurements at the micron scale on a fragment of the Paris carbonaceous chondrite, supported by Raman and SEM‐EDS measurements. The fragment is crushed in a diamond compression cell. The micro‐FTIR analyses are performed in transmission with two setups, an imaging microscope with a matrix detector using a thermal source and a system using a single point detector coupled with the synchrotron source at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. We obtain the spatial distribution of chemical/mineralogical components. We confirm at a larger scale (10 μm) the presence of hydrated amorphous silicates observed at a smaller scale (1 μm). Based on the relative abundance of different minerals (hydrated amorphous silicate, olivine, diopside, and serpentine), we propose a sequence of aqueous alteration. Considering the spatial correlation of minerals with organic matter, we discuss the effects of aqueous alteration on the organic matter in bulk. In particular, we detect an increase in the CH2/CH3 ratio in the altered zone and present the possible scenarios that led to the observed chain length shortening/cracking of hydrocarbons.
Global analysis of H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in Brachypodium distachyon reveals VRN3 as critical epigenetic regulation point in vernalization and provides insights into epigenetic memory
Authors: Huan Qing , Mao Zhiwei , Chong Kang , Zhang Jingyu 
Published: August 2018

Summary

Vernalization, the requirement of plants for long‐term exposure to low environmental temperature for flowering, is an epigenetic phenomenon. Histone modification regulation has been revealed in vernalization, but is limited to key genes. Now, we know that VRN1 is epigenetically critical for monocots. Genome‐wide analysis is still unavailable, however.

We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing for H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in Brachypodium distachyon to obtain a global view of histone modifications in vernalization on a genome‐wide scale and for different pathways/genes.

Our data showed that H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 play distinct roles in vernalization. Unlike H3K4me3, H3K27me3 exhibited regional regulation, showed main regulation targets in vernalization and contributed to epigenetic memory. For genes in four flowering regulation pathways, only FT2 (functional ortholog of VRN3 in B. distachyon) and VRN1 showed coordinated changes in H3K4me3/H3K27me3. The epigenetic response at VRN3 was weaker under short‐day than under long‐day conditions. VRN3 was revealed as an epigenetic regulation point integrating vernalization and day length signals. We globally identified genes maintaining vernalization‐induced epigenetic changes. Most of these genes showed dose‐dependent vernalization responses, revealing a quantitative ‘recording system’ for vernalization.

Our studies shed light on the epigenetic role of VRN3 and H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in vernalization and reveal genes underlying epigenetic memory, laying the foundation for further study.
A New Estimator of Search Duration and Its Application to the Marriage Market
Authors: Jelnov Pavel 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIt is well known that female age at first marriage positively correlates with male income inequality. The common interpretation of this fact is that marital search takes longer when the pool of potential mates is more unequal. This paper challenges that interpretation with a novel econometric method. I utilize the fact that the female age at first marriage was shown to be a sum of a skewed term, possibly related to search, and a normally distributed residual. I estimate search duration as the expected skewed term. I find that in the American data this term does not positively correlate with male income inequality and female education.
Experiencias y proyecciones del patrimonio industrial chileno
Authors: Lorca Mauricio 
Published: August 2018

En Chile, la toma de conciencia del valor patrimonial de los bienes legados por la industria es un proceso social más tardío que en los países desarrollados. Pese a que desde el año 1952 numerosos decretos leyes han entregado la condición de monumento nacional al centenar de elementos que conforman esta tipología, hubo que esperar hasta la década de 1990 para que el sector industrial se consolidara dentro del campo patrimonial chileno. Este artículo reflexiona sobre la trayectoria y las perspectivas del patrimonio industrial del país, identifica los períodos que ha atravesado, su distribución geográfica, los sectores productivos representados y las proyecciones que se estima posee.