bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypomethylation ofSTAT1andHLA-DRB1is associated with type-I interferon-dependentHLA-DRB1expression in lupus CD8+ T cells
Authors: Miller Shaylynn , Coit Patrick , Gensterblum-Miller Elizabeth , Renauer Paul , Kilian Nathan C , Schonfeld Mark , Tsou Pei-Suen , Sawalha Amr H 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe examined genome-wide DNA methylation changes in CD8+ T cells from lupus patients and controls, and investigated the functional relevance of some of these changes in lupus.MethodsGenome-wide DNA methylation of lupus and age, sex, and ethnicity-matched control CD8+ T cells was measured using the Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays. Measurement of relevant cell subsets was performed via flow cytometry. Gene expression was quantified by qPCR.ResultsLupus CD8+ T cells had 188 hypomethylated CpG sites compared to healthy matched controls. Among the most hypomethylated were sites associated withHLA-DRB1. Genes involved in the type-I interferon response, includingSTAT1, were also found to be hypomethylated. IFNα upregulated HLA-DRB1 expression on lupus but not control CD8+ T cells. Lupus and control CD8+ T cells significantly increased STAT1 mRNA levels after treatment with IFNα. The expression of CIITA, a key interferon/STAT1 dependent MHC-class II regulator, is induced by IFNα in lupus CD8+ T cells, but not healthy controls. Co-incubation of naïve CD4+ T cells with IFNα-treated CD8+ T cells led to CD4+ T cell activation, determined by increased expression of CD69, in lupus patients but not in healthy controls. This can be blocked by neutralizing antibodies targeting HLA-DR.ConclusionsLupus CD8+ T cells are epigenetically primed to respond to type-I interferon. We describe an HLA-DRB1+ CD8+ T cell subset that can be induced by IFNα in lupus patients. A possible pathogenic role for CD8+ T cells in lupus that is dependent upon a high type-I interferon environment and epigenetic priming warrants further characterization.
Effect of Platelet-activating factor on barrier function of ARPE-19 cells
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Lei , Zhang Han , Liu Zhe-Li 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPURPOSE:To examine the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on tight junction permeability in cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.METHODS:A human RPE cell line (ARPE-19) cultured on microporous filter supports was used. PAF and WEB2086, which is a specific PAF-receptor (PAF-R) antagonist, were added to the culture medium. RPE monolayer permeability was measured using transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and sodium fluorescein flux. The expression of the tight junction protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1 was assessed using immunohistochemistry. We also measured the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in cultures treated with PAF, and RPE monolayer permeability was measured again in the presence of neutralizing antibodies to VEGF.RESULTS:PAF significantly decreased the TER of the RPE monolayer and enhanced sodium fluorescein flux. ZO-1 expression was downregulated in PAF-supplemented medium. These effects were abolished with PAF-R blockage. PAF stimulation increased VEGF expression in RPE cells, and neutralization of VEGF with antibodies caused partial recovery of barrier properties.CONCLUSIONS:The tight junctions of ARPE-19 cells are altered by PAF, and these effects are partly mediated by the upregulation of VEGF expression in these cells. Our results contribute to growing evidence supporting the role of PAF in choroidal neovascularization, and our findings suggest that PAF is a novel therapeutic target for increased permeability of the RPE monolayer.
Classification of ab initio models of proteins restored from small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Oide Mao , Sekiguchi Yuki , Fukuda Asahi , Okajima Koji , Oroguchi Tomotaka , Nakasako Masayoshi 
Published: August 2018

In structure analyses of proteins in solution by using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), the molecular models are restored by using ab initio molecular modeling algorithms. There can be variation among restored models owing to the loss of phase information in the scattering profiles, averaging with regard to the orientation of proteins against the direction of the incident X-ray beam, and also conformational fluctuations. In many cases, a representative molecular model is obtained by averaging models restored in a number of ab initio calculations, which possibly provide nonrealistic models inconsistent with the biological and structural information about the target protein. Here, a protocol for classifying predicted models by multivariate analysis to select probable and realistic models is proposed. In the protocol, each structure model is represented as a point in a hyper-dimensional space describing the shape of the model. Principal component analysis followed by the clustering method is applied to visualize the distribution of the points in the hyper-dimensional space. Then, the classification provides an opportunity to exclude nonrealistic models. The feasibility of the protocol was examined through the application to the SAXS profiles of four proteins.
Keep them on-board! How organizations can develop employee embeddedness to increase employee retention
Authors: Ma Qing Kathy , Mayfield Milton , Mayfield Jacqueline 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how companies can increase employee retention through job embeddedness.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted a job embeddedness perspective to explain how different components of job embeddedness-fit, links, and sacrifice can contribute to employee retention.FindingsThe authors developed a practical model of employee retention by building job embeddedness into employee recruitment, selection, training, and development processes and provided a variety of easy-to-implement organizational practices.Originality/valueThis paper introduced job embeddedness as a new way to increase employee retention and developed a practical model for managers to develop HR practices for retaining their top talent.
Modified chain sampling plan for assuring percentile life under Weibull distribution and generalized exponential distribution
Authors: P. Jeyadurga , Mahalingam Usha , Balamurali Saminathan 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a modified chain sampling plan for assuring the product percentile life where the lifetime follows Weibull or generalized exponential distributions (GEDs). In order to reduce the cost of inspection when implementing the proposed modified chain sampling plan, it is also considered the economic aspect of designing of proposed plan in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have designed the proposed plan on the basis of two points on the operating characteristic (OC) curve approach. The optimization problem is used to determine the plan parameters of the proposed plan so that the specified values of producer’s risk and consumer’s risk are satisfied simultaneously.FindingsThe results we have obtained, confirm that the proposed plan will be very effective in reducing the sample size rather than other existing sampling plans. The OC curves of proposed plan, chain sampling plan and zero acceptance number single sampling plan show that the performance of proposed plan in discriminating the good and poor quality lots is better than other two plans. In this paper, it is proved that the value of number of preceding lots required for current lot disposition plays an important role.Originality/valueThe proposed modified chain sampling plan for assuring the percentile lifetime of the products under Weibull or GEDs is not available in the literature. The proposed plan can be used in all the manufacturing industries to assure the product percentile lifetime with minimum sample size as well as minimum cost.
Assessing risk through composite FMEA with pairwise matrix and Markov chains
Authors: Brun Alessandro , Savino Matteo Mario 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is an analysis technique for identifying and eliminating known and/or potential failures and problems from products, processes or systems. Notwithstanding its diffusion, traditional FMEA has several limitations. Lately, scientific research has been focused on improving said limitations, yet the process is still ongoing. The purpose of this paper is to support developments in this area.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper improves the conventional FMEA by using the method of pairwise comparison to establish the relative importance of the input factors in risk priority number calculation, and Markov chains to calculate risk distributions in the long term.

Findings
The functioning and usefulness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through an application to the construction industry, one of the world’s biggest industrial sectors, dogged by a high rate of work-related injuries and casualties.

Originality/value
Having demonstrated the applicability of the novel methodology to a real domain, the paper contributes to the process of overcoming traditional FMEA limitations.
Total productive maintenance, kaizen event, and performance
Authors: Habidin Nurul Fadly , Hashim Suzaituladwini , Fuzi Nursyazwani Mohd , Salleh Mad Ithnin 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between total productive maintenance (TPM), kaizen event (KE) and innovation performance (IP) for Malaysian automotive industry using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach
The samples were selected from the list of Proton and Perodua automotive industry. The number of collected respondents was 238 respondents. An SEM technique was used in the study. In order to test the reliability and validity of the instrument, reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.

Findings
Based on the results, KE does not affect the relationship between TPM and IP. However, the impact of TPM on IP increases with mediating of KE for Malaysian automotive industry. Thus, this study has shown that empirical test results prove that the implementation of TPM and KE has improved the IP for Malaysian automotive industry.

Research limitations/implications
This study only focused on the Malaysian automotive industry. The other limitation in this research is the number of factors and limited measurement in this study. Only a few TPM, KE and IP measurements were considered. By using the SEM technique, four TPM constructs, three for KE constructs and three for IP measures were developed and verified. Therefore, this study can assist the researchers and practitioners to the practice of TPM, KE and IP for Malaysian automotive industry.

Originality/value
This research provides fundamental knowledge and direction for researchers in further research as well as practitioners to constantly improve IP through the implementation of TPM and KE for Malaysian automotive industry.
Optimal composition of hybrid/blended real estate portfolios
Authors: Ametefe Frank Kwakutse , Devaney Steven , Stevenson Simon Andrew 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish an optimum mix of liquid, publicly traded assets that may be added to a real estate portfolio, such as those held by open-ended funds, to provide the liquidity required by institutional investors, such as UK defined contribution pension funds. This is with the objective of securing liquidity while not unduly compromising the risk-return characteristics of the underlying asset class. This paper considers the best mix of liquid assets at different thresholds for a liquid asset allocation, with the performance then evaluated against that of a direct real estate benchmark index.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a mean-tracking error optimisation approach in determining the optimal combination of liquid assets that can be added to a real estate fund portfolio. The returns of the optimised portfolios are compared to the returns for portfolios that employ the use of either cash or listed real estate alone as a liquidity buffer. Multivariate generalised autoregressive models are used along with rolling correlations and tracking errors to gauge the effectiveness of the various portfolios in tracking the performance of the benchmark index.FindingsThe results indicate that applying formal optimisation techniques leads to a considerable improvement in the ability of the returns from blended real estate portfolios to track the underlying real estate market. This is the case at a number of different thresholds for the liquid asset allocation and in cases where a minimum return requirement is imposed.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that real estate fund managers can realise the liquidity benefits of incorporating publicly traded assets into their portfolios without sacrificing the ability to deliver real estate-like returns. However, in order to do so, a wider range of liquid assets must be considered, not just cash.Originality/valueDespite their importance in the real estate investment industry, comparatively few studies have examined the structure and operation of open-ended real estate funds. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the optimal composition of liquid assets within blended or hybrid real estate portfolios.
Dependency of flow and transport properties on aperture distributions and compression states
Authors: Ma Joseph H.Y. , Li Yunyue Elita , Cheng Arthur 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTFluid conductivity and elastic properties in fractures depend on the aperture geometry – in particular, the roughness of fracture surfaces. In this study, we have characterized the surface roughness with a log‐normal distribution and investigated the transport and flow behaviour of the fractures with varying roughness characteristics. Numerical flow and transport simulations have been performed on a single two‐dimensional fracture surface, whose aperture geometry changes with different variances and correlation lengths in each realization. We have found that conventional measurement of hydraulic conductivity alone is insufficient to determine these two parameters. Transient transport measurements, such as the particle breakthrough time, provide additional constraints to the aperture distribution. Nonetheless, a unique solution to the fracture aperture distribution is still under‐determined with both hydraulic conductivity and transport measurements. From numerical simulations at different compression states, we have found that the flow and transport measurements exhibit different rates of changes with respect to changes in compression. Therefore, the fracture aperture distribution could be further constrained by considering the flow and transport properties under various compression states.
Primary Contact Occupational Therapy Hand Clinics: The pull of an occupational perspective
Authors: Burley Samantha , Cox Ruth , Di Tommaso Amelia , Molineux Matthew 
Published: August 2018

Background/aimPrimary contact models of care are an emerging area of occupational therapy practice that aim to respond to the changing health‐care landscape. There is a dearth of literature exploring an occupational perspective in primary contact roles, and literature in the broader scope of hand therapy has recognised that occupational therapists’ practice often aligns with the biomedical worldview. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the practice of occupational therapists within Primary Contact Occupational Therapy Hand (PCOTH) Clinics from an occupational perspective.MethodThis ethnographic study gathered in‐depth data through observations of primary contact hand therapy sessions, review of progress notes and interviews with occupational therapists. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using a three‐stage process first at the item level, then pattern level and finally at the structural level. The research team collaboratively discussed all codes and then themes.ResultsThe push of the biomedical culture and the pull of an occupational perspective was conceptualised as an overarching theme shaping occupational therapists’ practice in the primary contact clinics. Five themes emerged: bottom‐up approach to an occupational perspective, an occupational perspective via informal discussion, occupational therapists’ expectations of patients, occupational perspective on autopilot and blurred professional identity.ConclusionOccupational therapists working in primary contact roles were pushed by the biomedical culture of the setting. Despite this, there was still a pull towards an occupational perspective. This research provides an initial exploration of primary contact clinics, and highlighted the added bonus of an occupational perspective. The findings present a timely opportunity for occupational therapists to critically reflect on practice in PCOTH clinics.
Complex in memory, mind in matter: walking hand in hand
Authors: Caetano Aurea Afonso , Machado Teresa Cristina 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper aims to highlight four major points: first: a ‘Jungian attitude’ understood as a viewpoint which enables work with interconnectedness through various fields of knowledge. Second, that complexes are dynamic, as is memory, and that both are transformed by experience and develop hand in hand with each other i.e., the transformation of the complex occurs through the transformation of memory as embodied in internal working models, and vice versa. Third, complexes and archetypes are linked to each other in matrices of one form or another and lead to the complexity of the psyche, which is a developing system. Fourth, the analytical process provides an arena that enables and consolidates interconnections that foster a better intrapsychic transition. The analytic meeting promotes profound changes, redesigning our neural architecture as well as our psychic landscape.
Admission cardiotocography versus intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart in low‐risk pregnancy during evaluation for possible labour admission – a multicentre randomised trial: the ADCAR trial
Authors: Smith V , Begley C , Newell J , Higgins S , Murphy DJ , White MJ , Morrison JJ , Canny S , O'Donovan D , Devane D 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of admission cardiotocography (ACTG) versus intermittent auscultation (IA) of the fetal heart (FH) in low‐risk pregnancy during assessment for possible labour on caesarean section rates.DesignA parallel multicentre randomised trial.SettingThree maternity units in the Republic of Ireland.PopulationHealthy, low‐risk pregnant women, at term and ≥ 18 years old, who provided written informed consent.MethodsWomen were randomised to receive IA of the FH or 20 minutes ACTG on admission for possible labour onset, using remote telephone randomisation. Both groups received IA during labour, with conversion to continuous CTG as clinically indicated.Main outcome measuresCaesarean section (primary outcome), obstetric interventions (e.g. continuous CTG during labour, fetal blood sampling, augmentation of labour) and neonatal morbidity (e.g. metabolic acidosis, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal death).ResultsBased on 3034 women (1513 and 1521 randomised to IA and ACTG, respectively), there was no statistical difference between the groups in caesarean section [130 (8.6%) and 105 (6.9%) for IA and ACTG groups, respectively; relative risk (RR) 1.24; 95% CI 0.97–1.58], or in any other outcome except for use of continuous CTG during labour, which was lower in the IA group (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.93).ConclusionOur study demonstrates no differences in obstetric or neonatal outcomes between IA and ACTG for women with possible labour onset, other than an increased risk for continuous CTG in women receiving ACTG.Tweetable abstractNo differences in outcomes between intermittent auscultation and admission cardiotocography for women with possible labour onset.
Alprazolam and Zolpidem in Skeletal Tissue of Decomposed Body Confirms Exposure
Authors: Orfanidis Amvrosios , Gika Helen , Zaggelidou Eleni , Mastrogianni Orthodoxia , Raikos Nikolaos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn several medico‐legal cases, bone samples analysis may provide the only source of toxicological information. This case study reports the analysis of a human bone specimen, belonging to a 46‐year‐old man, found 3 months after his death due to cervical–thoracic injuries in a motorcycle accident. Bone specimen was the only available material for toxicological analysis, among few skull hair and rotten skin. Analysis was performed by a newly developed and validated ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method, following simple and efficient sample pretreatment. The results were in accordance with the man's medical record: Alprazolam and zolpidem were found at 2.2 and 5.4 ng/g of bone, respectively. Both these drugs were prescribed to the deceased.
Robust Shoeprint Retrieval Method Based on Local‐to‐Global Feature Matching for Real Crime Scenes
Authors: Cui Junjian , Zhao Xiaorui , Liu Nini , Morgachev Sergey , Li Daixi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study, an automatic and robust crime scene shoeprint retrieval method is proposed. As most shoeprints left at crime scenes are randomly partial and noisy, crime scene shoeprint retrieval is a challenging task. To handle partial, noisy shoeprint images, we employ denoising deep belief network (DBN) to extract local features and use spatial pyramid matching (SPM) to obtain a local‐to‐global matching score. In this study, 536 query shoeprint images from crime scenes and a large scale database containing 34,768 shoeprint images are used to evaluate the retrieval performance. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of retrieval accuracy, feature dimension, and retrieval speed. The proposed method achieves a cumulative match score (CMS) of 65.67% at top 10 which is 5.60% higher than the second best performing method.
A Study of Background Levels of Antimony, Barium, and Lead on Vehicle Surface Samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption
Authors: Comanescu Mircea A. , Millett Tiffany J. , Kubic Thomas A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLaw enforcement agencies routinely sample for gunshot residue (GSR) by bulk techniques and often submit swabs taken from other surfaces besides the hands of the suspect shooter. This study aims to establish the prevalence of antimony, barium, and lead on normally handled automobile surfaces by graphite furnace atomic absorption analysis. No positives were determined on 50 sampled automobile surfaces above cutoff (positive) from background levels. Transfers of GSR particles from shooter hands to automobile surfaces were found to potentially allow for positive GSR determinations, but such transfers seem to be dependent on the shooting conditions and length of GSR exposure. We determined that our bulk analysis method yields an overall 87.94 ± 5.52% extraction efficiency from cotton swabs, while the LOQ determinations strengthening the fact that bulk analysis methods are valid and valuable tools for GSR investigations.
Building a research‐ready database of rural emergency presentations: The RAHDaR pilot study
Authors: Kloot Kate , Baker Timothy R 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesA small amount of data from rural emergency facilities is collated with large urban datasets, but there are no dedicated rural emergency datasets.MethodsA network of 10 rural hospitals provided ongoing detailed emergency presentation data.ResultsOf 59 044 emergency presentations, 25 237 patients were managed entirely at the small local hospital, including 586 triage category 2 cardiac patients, 5663 paediatric patients and 310 mental health clients.ConclusionsThe RAHDaR dataset includes high‐risk presentations managed entirely at low resource sites and, as further sites are added, will tackle the biases that can misrepresent the performance of small rural hospitals.