bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Load Monitoring and Risk Factors for Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders After Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center, 10-Year Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Franceschini Erica , Plessi Jessica , Zona Stefano , Santoro Antonella , Digaetano Margherita , Fontana Francesco , Alfano Gaetano , Guaraldi Giovanni , Comoli Patrizia , Facchini Francesca , Potenza Leonardo , Gennari William , Codeluppi Mauro , Luppi Mario , Cappelli Gianni , Gyssens Inge C. , Mussini Cristina 
Published: June 2017

Background
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplants. Epstein Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in PTLD development. Guidelines recommend EBV viral load (VL) monitoring in high-risk populations in the first year.

Methods
Retrospective observational study in all adult patients who had at least 1 EBV-VL performed in the postkidney transplant (KT) period from January 2005 to December 2014 at the Policlinico Modena Hospital. We compared patients with negative EBV-DNA to patients with positive EBV-DNA and we described PTLD developed in the study period.

Results
One hundred ninety (36.3%) KT patients of 523 were screened for EBV-DNA with 796 samples. One hundred twenty-eight (67.4%) of 190 tested patients presented at least 1 positive sample for EBV. Older age, the use of sirolimus, everolimus, and steroids were associated with EBV-DNA positivity in the univariate analysis. Nine (1.7%) of 523 patients had PTLD. Incidence rate of PTLD in the KT cohort was 0.19/100 person year follow-up (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.37). One of 9 patients developed early PTLD and was a high-risk patient. Only this PTLD case was positive for EBV. No PTLD case had an EBV-VL superior to 4000 copies/mL.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the keystone of PTLD diagnosis is the clinical suspicion. Our study suggests that, in line with guidelines, EBV-VL assays may be avoided in low-risk patients in the absence of a strong clinical PTLD suspicion without increasing patients' risk of developing PTLD. This represents a safe and cost-saving clinical strategy for our center.
An introduction to ghost imaging: quantum and classical
Authors: Padgett Miles J. , Boyd Robert W. 
Published: June 2017

Ghost imaging has been a subject of interest to the quantum optics community for the past 20 years. Initially seen as manifestation of quantum spookiness, it is now recognized as being implementable in both single- and many-photon number regimes. Beyond its scientific curiosity, it is now feeding novel imaging modalities potentially offering performance attributes that traditional approaches cannot match.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Quantum technology for the 21st century’.
Development of Gene-Specific Real-Time PCR Screening Method for Detection ofcp4-epspsGene in GM Crops
Authors: Khosravi Solmaz , Tohidfar Masoud , Koobaz Parisa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAmong the genetically modified (GM) crops that are being approved for commercialization, herbicide resistant crops, especially those harboringcp4-epsps,have a considerable contribution. Gene-specific methods can be used to screen the presence of GMOs. To establish an effective qualitative and quantitative screening method, a set of primers were designed considering thecp4-epspssequence. The specificity, the limit of detection, the efficiency, and the ability to quantify the GMO content were tested in GM cotton, soybean, and canola events. The results demonstrated that the primers can specifically detectcp4-epspsGM crops. The limit of detection was found to be 0.4 ng /μl DNA per PCR reaction with the ability to detect 1-16 copies of the haploid genome of each GM event. The efficiency of this screening method (which was 94-110 % with an R2 higher than 0.96) indicated that these new primers can be applied to the screening of GM samples that contain thecp4-epspsgene. Also, the gene-specific real-time PCR screening method could be successfully developed for qualification of different types of GM cotton, soybean and canola events with the construction of a serial dilution ranging from 10 % to 1 %.
Molecular characterization of latent GDF8 reveals mechanisms of activation
Authors: Walker Ryan G. , McCoy Jason C. , Czepnik Magdalena , Mills Melanie J. , Hagg Adam , Walton Kelly L. , Cotton Thomas , Hyvönen Marko , Lee Richard T. , Gregorevic Paul , Harrison Craig A. , Thompson Thomas B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGrowth/differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) or myostatin negatively regulates muscle mass. GDF8 is held in a latent state through interactions with its N-terminal prodomain, much like TGF-β. Using a combination of small angle X-ray scattering and mutagenesis, we characterized the interactions of GDF8 with its prodomain. Our results show that the prodomain:GDF8 complex can exist in a fully latent state and an activated or ‘triggered’ state where the prodomain remains in complex with the mature domain. However, these states are not reversible, indicating the latent GDF8 is ‘spring-loaded’. Structural analysis shows that the prodomain:GDF8 complex adopts an ‘open’ configuration, distinct from the latency state of TGF-β and more similar to the ‘open’ state of Activin A and BMP9 (non-latent complexes). We determined that GDF8 maintains similar features for latency, including the alpha-1 helix and fastener elements, and identified a series of mutations in the prodomain of GDF8 that alleviate latency, including I56E, which does not require activation by the protease Tolloid.In vivo,active GDF8 variants were potent negative regulators of muscle mass, compared to wild-type GDF8. Collectively, these results help characterize the latency and activation mechanisms of GDF8.
Imaging seminiferous tubules – a 9.4T MRI mouse model
Authors: Herigstad M. , Granados-Aparici S. , Pacey A. , Paley M. , Reynolds S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFertility problems affect many couples. Research into male fertility commonly uses mouse models due to their availability and similar spermatogenesis to humans. A common target is the seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatozoa production, typically studied using biopsies and histological analysis. High-field Magnetic Resonance (MR) may offer a non-invasive alternative to investigate testicular function in infertility models. Here, we assess seminiferous tubules structure in sacrificed mice to determine the usefulness of MR compared to histology. Twelve mice (11 aged 35-57 days, one >9 months) were sacrificed and MR imaged at 9.4T with a Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement sequence. Testes were scanned in situ for all mice, and excised in a subset of mice (n=4). A second subset of mice (n=4) had their testes selected for histological analysis. Seminiferous tubule diameter was measured manually from MRI and histology images. Custom image analysis scripts were created for the automated segmentation of seminiferous tubules and calculation of tissue volumes. All ex vivo and in situ images of testes exhibited clear outlines of seminiferous tubules. Ratio of total testis volume to volume of seminiferous tubules did not differ significantly between ex vivo and in situ measurements, and were similar in mature and younger mice. Both total testis volume and seminiferous tubule volume were larger in the mature animal. While histological slices trended towards larger average seminiferous tubules diameter than MRI images, we found no significant differences between MRI and histological measurements. High-field MRI can be used in a mouse model to assess testicular structure in situ. All volumetric measurements compared favourably with histological data. In situ scans also clearly showed identifiable extra-testicular tissues, such as epididymis and prostate tissues. The potential to image tissues associated with sperm maturation as well as spermatogenesis emphasises how MR could be a useful technique in mouse models of fertility, however further work is required to optimize tissue segmentation and validate this method for use in longitudinal studies. This type of measurement could be extended to human fertility studies in the future.
The Drosophila Y chromosome affects heterochromatin integrity genome-wide
Authors: Brown Emily J. , Nguyen Alison H. , Bachtrog Doris 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Drosophila Y-chromosome is gene poor and mainly consists of silenced, repetitive DNA. Nonetheless, the Y influences expression of hundreds of genes genome-wide, possibly by sequestering key components of the heterochromatin machinery away from other positions in the genome. To test the influence of the Y chromosome on the genome-wide chromatin landscape, we assayed the genomic distribution of histone modifications associated with gene activation (H3K4me3), or heterochromatin (H3K9me2 and H3K9me3) in fruit flies with varying sex chromosome complements (X0, XY and XYY males; XX and XXY females). Consistent with the general deficiency of active chromatin modifications on the Y, we find that Y gene dose has little influence on the genomic distribution of H3K4me3. In contrast, both the presence and the number of Y-chromosomes strongly influence genome-wide enrichment patterns of repressive chromatin modifications. Highly repetitive regions such as the pericentromeres, the dot, and the Y chromosome (if present) are enriched for heterochromatic modifications in wildtype males and females, and even more strongly in X0 flies. In contrast, the additional Y chromosome in XYY males and XXY females diminishes the heterochromatic signal in these normally silenced, repeat-rich regions, which is accompanied by an increase in expression of Y-linked repeats. We find hundreds of genes that are expressed differentially between individuals with aberrant sex chromosome karyotypes, many of which also show sex-biased expression in wildtype Drosophila. Thus, Y-chromosomes influence heterochromatin integrity genome-wide, and differences in the chromatin landscape of males and females may also contribute to sex-biased gene expression and sexual dimorphisms.
Development climate and work engagement: a multilevel study
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Rangnekar Santosh 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative impact of psychological HRD climate and HRD climate quality on work engagement. In addition, the paper attempts to examine the boundary conditions of the proposed relationship by proposing and testing HRD climate strength as the moderator of the relationship between psychological HRD climate, HRD climate quality and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from a total of 375 business executives from select business organizations in India using standardized measurement instruments. As the present study involved variables at different levels of analysis, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) approach was utilized for the purpose of data analyses.

Findings
The results of HLM revealed that the shared employee perception of development climate accounted for significant percentage of between person variance in work engagement above and beyond individual climate perceptions. HRD climate strength was found to moderate the psychological HRD climate and work engagement relationship but the interaction of HRD climate strength with HRD climate quality did not add further to the understanding of work engagement process.

Practical implications
The findings of the present research imply that creating a climate of human resource development is a compelling intervention, which could provide competitive advantage to the firm in terms of enhanced work engagement levels among employees.

Originality/value
The study established the importance of social system or social interaction climate in its own right by demonstrating its unique effects on individual attitudes over individuals’ idiosyncratic perceptions.
Addressing climate adaptation in education, research and practice: the CLiVIA-network
Authors: Nagy Gustavo J. , Cabrera Carolina , Coronel Genaro , Aparicio-Effen Marilyn , Arana Ivar , Lairet Rafael , Villamizar Alicia 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Climate change and variability are both a developmental and an environmental issue. Adaptation to climate change and variability has gained a prominent place on global and local policy agendas, evolving from mainly climate risks impacts and vulnerability assessments to mainly adaptation action, imposing new defies to higher education (HE). The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Climate Vulnerability, Impact, and Adaptation (VIA) Network (CliVIA-Net), a South American university-based coalition aimed at achieving a science for/of adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach
CliVIA-Net is a collaborative effort by academic groups from across the spectrum of the natural, social and health sciences focused on improving climate VIA on education, research and practice. In consonance with international literature and practices, the network shifted from a discipline-oriented approach to an interdisciplinary and Earth System Science (ESS)-oriented one. It seeks to advance fundamental understanding and participatory practice-oriented research and to develop a problem orientation question/solving answering methodology. A set of cases studies illustrates how CliVIA-Net faces adaptation and sustainability challenges in the twenty-first century.

Findings
Focusing on interdisciplinary graduate education, practice-oriented research and problem orientation practice on climate threats which are already threatening the environment, population’s well-being and sustainability, allows for the co-production of knowledge and solutions, as well stakeholders’ buy-in and commitment.

Originality/value
CliVIA-Net draws upon the results of evolving interdisciplinary approaches on global change and VIA education, the research partnership with stakeholders and decision-makers to develop environmental and health outcomes, e.g. vulnerability indicators and scenario planning.
Contextualizing gender in climate change adaptation in semi-arid Zimbabwe
Authors: Mubaya C.P. , Mafongoya Paramu L. , Obert Jiri 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Climate change impacts tend to coalesce with everyday vulnerability and affect different socio-economic groups in different ways. In this regard, this study aims to contribute to studies that make gender critical to understanding the way that climate change is experienced. Socially constructed gender differences have a bearing on the extent of exposure to climatic shocks, leading to various patterns of vulnerability to these shocks.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to collect data.

Findings
The study finds that there is an inherent potential within the study area for equal opportunities for both men and women to address levels of vulnerability to climatic shocks and, by implication, potential to challenge patriarchal structures that tend to characterize these study areas. The contextualization of gender analysis remains elusive in the face of increasingly shifting gender roles that traditionally defined women as victims to everyday vulnerability and more recently in conjunction with climatic shocks.

Originality/value
In this regard, this research contributes to emerging perspectives on the potential role of ‘woman as heroine’ and challenges the perception of ‘woman as victim’ in environmental management. Considerations for mainstreaming adaptation responses to climate change do not necessarily have to consider women as a special social group in isolation but, rather, implications for both men and women and caution that embeddedness remains key for gender considerations in any rural context.
Farm households’ perception on climate change and adaptation practices
Authors: Joshi Binaya , Ji Weihong , Joshi Narayan Babu 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the farming community’s perception on important parameters of climate change and identify major practices and technologies adopted to mitigate the impacts of climate change and their determinants in mountain district of Nepal. Being an agrarian economy and dependent on monsoon rain, the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and production has been experienced. Different adaptation strategies have been adopted by the communities to cope with the consequences of climate change.Design/methodology/approachFour village development committees (VDCs) situated in the buffer zone of Langtang National Park of Rasuwa district representing rice, wheat, maize and potato production area was purposively selected for this study. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted for data and information collection. Thirty households from each VDC were randomly selected. Data on the socio-economic and climate change perception were collected using structured questionnaire. A binary logistic regression technique was used to identify the determinants of climate change adaptation technologies and practices.FindingsThe farmers’ decisions whether to adopt climate change adaptation technologies are governed by the size of landholding, perceived threat of climate change to food security, education level and gender of the interviewee, perception on the increased incidence of droughts during rainy season and income received from the off-farm sources. In a community where agricultural activity is the dominant means of living, adaptive strategies help to increase the capacity of a farming system to survive external shocks and cope with the consequences.Originality/valueThe assessment of farm-level adaptation strategies and factors influencing their adoption decision is important to formulate policies and design programs. This will also help to recognize adaptation as a tool for managing a variety of risks associated with climate change in agricultural sector.
The adoption of vendor managed inventory for hospital pharmaceutical supply
Authors: Krichanchai Sineenart , MacCarthy Bart L. 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate vendor managed inventory (VMI) for the supply of medicines between distributors and hospitals to identify factors that may affect VMI adoption.Design/methodology/approachTwo contrasting VMI initiatives involving five organizations (three hospitals, one distributor and one manufacturer/supplier) are studied. A case study method with semi-structured interviews is used with triangulation in data collection, site visits and document analysis to enhance reliability and validity. The cases are analyzed and compared with respect to hospital, supplier, product and supply chain integration characteristics.FindingsA successful public sector VMI initiative and an unsuccessful private sector VMI initiative are identified. The public sector supplier focuses on improving service level while the private sector supplier seeks to strengthen relationships with a key customer. Hospital characteristics, including type of hospital, top management perspectives and the hospital’s willingness to share information, are critical in decisions on VMI initiation or termination. Relatively stable demand products are preferred for a VMI approach. Hospitals may perceive risks in VMI adoption for medicines as it involves relinquishing control of critical supplies and may result in “lock-in” with a particular supplier.Research limitations/implicationsThe cases have been conducted in one country, which may affect generalization of the findings. Wider empirical evidence from other countries in both developed and less developed regions will be beneficial.Practical implicationsVMI is advocated as being beneficial in many supply contexts. However, it is challenging to implement. The study identifies factors that affect the adoption of VMI for hospital pharmaceuticals and provides guidance on initiating VMI in a hospital context.Social implicationsThe potential for VMI in public health projects to enable greater access to critical medicines is highlighted.Originality/valueThe paper provides supply side and demand side perspectives on VMI adoption in an important sector. It highlights the need for greater understanding of the perceived and actual risks in VMI from the perspective of both the hospital and the supplier and for much clearer advice on which pharmaceutical products are appropriate for VMI control in a hospital context.
The symbiotic existence of interorganizational and interpersonal ties in supply chain collaboration
Authors: Ekanayake Samanthi , Childerhouse Paul , Sun Peter 
Published: June 2017

PurposeSocial network perspective to interorganizational relations focuses on the effect of organizations’ external relationships in collaboration as opposed to their internal resources and capabilities. It presumes that effectively managing such relationships is vital to gaining collaborative synergies. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing interest in the social network perspective to explain supply chain collaboration.Design/methodology/approachLiterature from the network field is discussed in the context of interorganizational collaboration. A logistics service provider’s network is explored in depth leading to the inductive construction of a multi-level model of social network collaboration.FindingsThe conceptual model provides a useful lens to evaluate supply chain collaboration. The symbiotic relationship between interorganizational and interpersonal networks is highlighted as vital for effective collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual model has only been developed from a single network. Wider application is required to ensure generalizability. The critical role of the personal networks of boundary spanning actors at different levels wants further investigation.Practical implicationsPartners’ intra-organizational structures and personal ties of boundary spanners, both at the senior and operational level, have a profound effect on supply chain operations.Originality/valuePersonal networks interact with organizational networks and complement each other in yielding interfirm collaborative synergies.
Psychosocial risk management in more and less favourable workplace conditions
Authors: Janetzke Hanna , Ertel Michael 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Although efforts have been made to specify the concept and the process of psychosocial risk management (PSRM), there is still a lack of knowledge on overcoming initiation and implementation barriers. The purpose of this paper is to explore how PSRM was implemented in different work contexts (under difficult and favourable conditions concerning the extent of management’s commitment and participative practices). Success factors are derived from the different work contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
This study compares PSRM approaches across organizations in four European countries. A total of 41 interviews with 60 organizational stakeholders were carried out and supplemented with a corporate documents analysis. Commonalities and differences within and between ten organizational case studies were analysed from which good practice and lessons learnt could be extracted.

Findings
The authors found different approaches based on the extent to which organizational capacity (management commitment and participative practices to prevent psychosocial risks) was taken into account. Where capacity was restricted, external support was necessary to initiate and to implement the process. Where capacity was high, integration of PSRM into routine processes and connection with already existing processes was a dominating topic.

Originality/value
Currently, enabling and hindering factors are not systematically prioritized according to the specific context in which PSRM takes place and often they are not differentiated according to the level (e.g. personal, processual, structural and cultural) where they are situated. This study identifies PSRM versions at those different levels which can help in tailoring specific measures to the workplace conditions.