bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Succession in the family business: drivers and pathways
Authors: Bizri Rima 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The succession process represents one of the most critical events in the family business lifecycle. The purpose of this paper is to explore this process while focussing first on the drivers behind the choice of successor and, second, on the impact of this choice on the entrepreneurial behavior of the siblings.Design/methodology/approach– The qualitative approach was used in which multiple case analyses were performed. A total of 12 cases were purposively selected from the Lebanese private sector, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the successors and the founders when available. The interview data were transcribed and a coding scheme was created to generate relevant categories. Those categories were named and later re-assessed by an external researcher to ensure inter-rater reliability.Findings– The three dimensions of social capital were found to have a profound influence on the succession decision with much focus on familial stewardship as an emerging cognitive driving force. When “familial stewardship” is shared by incumbent and sibling, it strengthens the latter’s chances of being chosen as successor. Further, a succession pathways model was introduced that depicts the siblings’ behavior following the succession decision which seems to often trigger further entrepreneurship.Originality/value– This study is distinct as it introduces a new cognitive construct that helps rationalize the successor-selection decision in a Middle Eastern context. It also goes beyond the succession event to depict potential entrepreneurial behavior triggered by succession.
The tangled web of mobile telecommunication mergers: Hutchison Whampoa, Telefónica and BT
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to demonstrate how consolidation within Europe’s mobile telecommunication markets requires willing buyers and sellers.

Design/methodology/approach
– After highlighting the resurgence in merger and acquisition (M
&
A) activity in mobile telecommunications, the paper draws on a variety of secondary sources to analyse the strategies of three companies.

Findings
– The paper highlights the interwoven nature of the strategies of three companies: BT, Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica. BT has returned to the mobile telecommunications market in the UK, with the company it did not acquire being purchased by Hutchison. As Hutchison implements a “double or quits” strategy in Europe, it has acquired operations from Telefónica, which, in turn, has exited most of its non-Spanish European operations to focus on Latin America.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper relies on secondary data and thus highlights the challenges of doing so and the need for more information regarding M
&
As to be in the public domain.

Practical implications
– There is a need to adopt a sector-wide or regional approach for analysing the strategies of telecommunication companies.

Originality/value
– The paper uniquely provides an overview of three corporate strategies to show how they interact with one another.
Flavor and Functional Characteristics of Whey Protein Isolates from Different Whey Sources
Authors: Smith T.J. , Foegeding E.A. , Drake M.A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study evaluated flavor and functional characteristics of whey protein isolates (WPIs) from Cheddar, Mozzarella, Cottage cheese, and rennet casein whey. WPIs were manufactured in triplicate. Powders were rehydrated and evaluated in duplicate by descriptive sensory analysis. Volatile compounds were extracted by solid‐phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Functional properties were evaluated by measurement of foam stability, heat stability, and protein solubility. WPI from Cheddar and Cottage cheese whey had the highest cardboard flavor, whereas sweet aromatic flavor was highest in Mozzarella WPI, and rennet casein WPI had the lowest overall flavor and aroma. Distinct sour taste and brothy/potato flavor were also noted in WPI from Cottage cheese whey. Consistent with sensory results, aldehyde concentrations were also highest in Cheddar and Cottage cheese WPI. Overrun, yield stress, and foam stability were not different (P > 0.05) among Cheddar, Mozzarella, and rennet casein WPI, but WPI foams from Cottage cheese whey had a lower overrun and air‐phase fraction (P < 0.05). Cottage cheese WPI was more heat stable at pH 7 (P < 0.05) than other WPI in 4% protein solutions, and was the only WPI to not gel at 10% protein. Cottage cheese WPI was less soluble at pH 4.6 compared to other WPI (P < 0.05) and also exhibited higher turbidity loss at pH 3 to 7 compared to other WPI (P < 0.05). This study suggests that WPI produced from nontraditional whey sources could be used in new applications due to distinct functional and flavor characteristics.
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Gram‐Negative Psychrotrophic Bacteria from Bulk Tank Milk
Authors: Decimo Marilù , Silvetti Tiziana , Brasca Milena 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major global health problem and resistance of Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae is a serious concern. We investigated the prevalence of drug‐resistance in a total of 80 psychrotrophic strains from bulk milk belonging to Pseudomonas genus (n. 63) and Enterobacteriaceae group (n. 17). All the strains were tested against 16 antibiotics. Pseudomonas were further investigated for their sensitivity against 12 additional antibiotics. Pseudomonas showed a high susceptibility toward fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and piperacillin and, to a lesser extent, to imipenem, ceftazidime, cefepime. Thirty‐five out of 63 Pseudomonas strains were susceptible to meropenem, while among antibiotics for which recommended breakpoints are not yet available, 55% of Pseudomonas strains had no inhibition halo in presence of nitrofurantoin, highlighting a resistance toward this drug. The results obtained in this study indicate a high efficiency of fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol (94%), and kanamycin (76%) for Enterobacteriaceae while a high prevalence of resistant strains was found to ampicillin (13/17). Serratia marcescens is highly susceptible to fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, and kanamycin. Moreover, mupirocin seems to be the new antibiotic with the less efficacy for Enterobacteriaceae, with 41% of strains without halo, pointing out an important resistance. Further knowledge on resistance to known and new antibiotics among Pseudomonas species and Enterobacteriaceae of milk origin was acquired.
Antecedents of cerebral palsy according to severity of motor impairment
Authors: Ahlin Kristina , Himmelmann Kate , Nilsson Staffan , Sengpiel Verena , Jacobsson Bo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine whether antecedents and neuroimaging patterns vary according to the severity of motor impairment in children with cerebral palsy.Material and methodsA population‐based study in which all 309 term‐born children with spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy born between 1983 and 1994 and 618 matched controls were studied. Antecedents were retrieved from obstetric records. Information on neuroimaging was retrieved from the cerebral palsy Register of Western Sweden. Cases were grouped by severity of motor impairment: mild (walks without aids), moderate (walks with aids) or severe (dependent on wheelchair). Binary logistic regression, the Cochran–Armitage test for trends, interaction analyses and interrelationship analyses were performed.ResultsAntecedents associated with mild motor impairment were antepartum (placental weight, maternal weight and antibiotic therapy) or intrapartum and postpartum adverse events (meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, low Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal encephalopathy). Antecedents associated with severe motor impairment were antepartum (congenital infection, small head circumference and brain maldevelopment) or intrapartum and postpartum (emergency cesarean section and maternal antibiotic therapy). Comparisons between mild and severe motor impairment revealed congenital infection, maldevelopment, neonatal encephalopathy and meconium aspiration syndrome significantly more often in the group with severe motor impairment (p < 0.05). White matter injury was the most common neuroimaging pattern in mild motor impairment, whereas maldevelopment and cortical/subcortical lesions were most common in the severe motor impairment group.ConclusionsOur results suggest a variation in antecedents associated with cerebral palsy, related to severity of motor impairment. Timing of antecedents corresponded to neuroimaging patterns.
Long‐term facilitation of expiratory and sympathetic activities following acute intermittent hypoxia in rats
Authors: Lemes E. V. , Aiko S. , Orbem C. B. , Formentin C. , Bassi M. , Colombari E. , Zoccal D. B. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimAcute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) promotes persistent increases in ventilation and sympathetic activity, referred as long‐term facilitation (LTF). Augmented inspiratory activity is suggested as a major component of respiratory LTF. In this study, we hypothesized that AIH also elicits a sustained increase in expiratory motor activity. We also investigated whether the expiratory LTF contributes to the development of sympathetic LTF after AIH.MethodsRats were exposed to AIH (10 × 6–7% O2 for 45 s, every 5 min), and the cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated during 60 min using in vivo and in situ approaches.ResultsIn unanesthetized conditions (n = 9), AIH elicited a modest but sustained increase in baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP, 104 ± 2 vs. 111 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) associated with enhanced sympathetic and respiratory‐related variabilities. In the in situ preparations (n = 9), AIH evoked LTF in phrenic (33 ± 12%), thoracic sympathetic (75 ± 25%) and abdominal nerve activities (69 ± 14%). The sympathetic overactivity after AIH was phase‐locked with the emergence of bursts in abdominal activity during the late‐expiratory phase. In anesthetized vagus‐intact animals, AIH increased baseline MAP (113 ± 3 vs. 122 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05) and abdominal muscle activity (535 ± 94%), which were eliminated after pharmacological inhibition of the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG).ConclusionThese findings indicate that increased expiratory activity is also an important component of AIH‐elicited respiratory LTF. Moreover, the development of sympathetic LTF after AIH is linked to the emergence of active expiratory pattern and depends on the integrity of the neurones of the RTN/pFRG.
Alcohol consumption at age 11–12 years and traumatic dental injuries at age 15–16 years in school children from East London
Authors: Baig Enver Muneera , Marcenes Wagner , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Bernabé Eduardo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo explore the association between alcohol consumption at age 11–12 years and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) at age 15–16 years.MethodsData of 635 adolescents who participated in phases I and III of the Research with East London Adolescents Community Health Survey (RELACHS), a longitudinal school‐based survey of a representative sample of adolescents from East London, were used for this study. Information on socio‐demographic characteristics and alcohol consumption was obtained from questionnaires in phase I when adolescents were 11–12 years of age. Data on TDI and clinical characteristics (incisor overjet and lip coverage) were taken from clinical examination in phase III when adolescents were 15–16 years of age. The association between (lifetime and last month) alcohol consumption and TDI was assessed in crude and adjusted logistic regression models.ResultsOverall, 14.5% of adolescents had ever consumed alcohol and 3.5% had consumed alcohol the month before the baseline survey, whereas 17% of adolescents had experienced TDI by age 15–16 years. No significant association of alcohol consumption with TDI was seen in these adolescents for either lifetime (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–1.67) or last month consumption of alcohol (adjusted OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.28–2.69).ConclusionThis study did not support the association between alcohol use and TDI in adolescents.
A comparison of survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein invasion treated by radioembolization or sorafenib
Authors: de la Torre Manuel A. , Buades‐Mateu Juan , de la Rosa Pedro A. , Lué Alberto , Bustamante Francisco J. , Serrano María T. , Testillano Milagros , Lorente Sara , Arenas Juan I. , Gil Cristina , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Sangro Bruno 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsSorafenib (SOR) is the standard of care for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein invasion (PVI), based on the results of phase 3 trials. However, radioembolization (RE) using yttrium‐90 microspheres has been shown to achieve higher response rates and better survival in large cohorts and phase 2 trials. This study aimed to compare survival of HCC patients with PVI treated by RE or SOR.MethodsSurvival among patients with HCC and PVI treated with RE or SOR in four Spanish hospitals between 2005 and 2013 was analysed retrospectively. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted and baseline variables tested for prognostic value using the log‐rank test. A multivariate prognostic model including variables identified in the univariate analysis and adjusted by a propensity score based on factors that may determine the probability of exposure to RE was generated using Cox regression analyses.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 6 months, 60 deaths had occurred: 38 and 22 in SOR and RE groups respectively. Median survival was 6.7 months (95%CI 5.2–8.1 months) for the entire cohort, and 8.8 months (95%CI 1.8–15.8) in the RE group and 5.4 months (95%CI 2.7–8.1) in the SOR group (P = 0.047). The difference in survival was still statistically significant when 13 patients in the RE group who started SOR after a median time of 8 months were censored from the analysis.ConclusionsIn a cohort of patients with HCC and PVI treatment with RE was associated with a more prolonged survival compared with SOR.
A new computer aided diagnosis system for evaluation of chronic liver disease with ultrasound shear wave elastography imaging
Authors: Gatos Ilias , Tsantis Stavros , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Karnabatidis Dimitris , Theotokas Ioannis , Zoumpoulis Pavlos , Loupas Thanasis , Hazle John D. , Kagadis George C. 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:Classify chronic liver disease (CLD) from ultrasound shear‐wave elastography (SWE) imaging by means of a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system.Methods:The proposed algorithm employs an inverse mapping technique (red‐green‐blue to stiffness) to quantify 85 SWE images (54 healthy and 31 with CLD). Texture analysis is then applied involving the automatic calculation of 330 first and second order textural features from every transformed stiffness value map to determine functional features that characterize liver elasticity and describe liver condition for all available stages. Consequently, a stepwise regression analysis feature selection procedure is utilized toward a reduced feature subset that is fed into the support vector machines (SVMs) classification algorithm in the design of the CAD system.Results:With regard to the mapping procedure accuracy, the stiffness map values had an average difference of 0.01 ± 0.001 kPa compared to the quantification results derived from the color‐box provided by the built‐in software of the ultrasound system. Highest classification accuracy from the SVM model was 87.0% with sensitivity and specificity values of 83.3% and 89.1%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis gave an area under the curve value of 0.85 with [0.77–0.89] confidence interval.Conclusions:The proposed CAD system employing color to stiffness mapping and classification algorithms offered superior results, comparing the already published clinical studies. It could prove to be of value to physicians improving the diagnostic accuracy of CLD and can be employed as a second opinion tool for avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures.
Predictability of Phenotype in Relation to Common β-Lactam Resistance Mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Agyekum Alex , Fajardo-Lubián Alicia , Ai Xiaoman , Ginn Andrew N. , Zong Zhiyong , Guo Xuejun , Turnidge John , Partridge Sally R. , Iredell Jonathan R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

The minimal concentration of antibiotic required to inhibit the growth of different isolates of a given species with no acquired resistance mechanisms has a normal distribution. We have previously shown that the presence or absence of transmissible antibiotic resistance genes has excellent predictive power for phenotype. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of six β-lactam antibiotic susceptibility phenotypes associated with commonly acquired resistance genes in
Enterobacteriaceae
in Sydney, Australia.
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 200) and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 178) clinical isolates, with relevant transmissible resistance genes (
bla
TEM
,
n
= 33; plasmid AmpC,
n
= 69; extended-spectrum β-lactamase [ESBL],
n
= 116; and carbapenemase,
n
= 100), were characterized. A group of 60 isolates with no phenotypic resistance to any antibiotics tested and carrying none of the important β-lactamase genes served as comparators. The MICs for all drug-bacterium combinations had a normal distribution, varying only in the presence of additional genes relevant to the phenotype or, for ertapenem resistance in
K. pneumoniae
, with a loss or change in the outer membrane porin protein OmpK36. We demonstrated mutations in
ompK36
or absence of OmpK36 in all isolates in which reduced susceptibility to ertapenem (MIC, >1 mg/liter) was evident. Ertapenem nonsusceptibility in
K. pneumoniae
was most common in the context of an OmpK36 variant with an ESBL or AmpC gene. Surveillance strategies to define appropriate antimicrobial therapies should include genotype-phenotype relationships for all major transmissible resistance genes and the characterization of mutations in relevant porins in organisms, like
K. pneumoniae
.
Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile Infections in Children
Authors: Antonara Stella , Leber Amy L. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

The detection and diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile
infection in pediatric populations have some unique considerations in comparison to testing in adults. The testing methodologies, including toxigenic culture, cell cytotoxicity, antigen detection, and, more recently, molecular testing, are the same in all age groups. However, limited data exist on the specific performance characteristics in children. In this review, we focus on the challenges of testing in pediatric populations and assess the available data on test performance in these populations. Additionally, a review of the existing guidance for testing is provided.
A Multiplex PCR Approach for Detecting Dual Infections and Recombinants Involving Major HIV Variants
Authors: Cappy Pierre , De Oliveira Fabienne , Gueudin Marie , Alessandri-Gradt Elodie , Plantier Jean-Christophe 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

The cocirculation of different HIV types and groups can lead to dual infections and recombinants, which hinder diagnosis and therapeutic management. We designed two multiplex PCRs (mPCRs) coupled with capillary electrophoresis to facilitate the detection of such infections. The first, M
MO2
, targets three variants (HIV-1/M, HIV-1/O, and HIV-2), and the second, M
MO
, targets HIV-1/M and HIV-1/O. These mPCRs were validated on DNA and RNA extracts from 19 HIV-1/M, 12 HIV-1/O, and 13 HIV-2 cultures and from mixtures simulating dual infections. They were then assessed with DNA and RNA extracts from samples of 47 clinical monoinfections and HIV-1/M+O dual infections or infections with HIV-1/MO recombinants. Both mPCRs had excellent specificity. Sensitivities ranged from 80 to 100% for
in vitro
samples and from 58 to 100% for clinical samples, with the results obtained depending on the material used and the region of the genome concerned. Sensitivity was generally lower for DNA than for RNA and for amplifications of the integrase and matrix regions. In terms of global detection (at least one target gene for each strain), both mPCRs yielded a detection rate of 100% for
in vitro
samples. M
MO2
detected 100% of the clinical strains from DNA and 97% from RNA, whereas M
MO
detected 100% of the strains from both materials. Thus, for
in vitro
and clinical samples, M
MO2
was a useful tool for detecting dual infections with HIV-1 and HIV-2 (referred to as HIV-1+HIV-2) and HIV-1/M+O, and M
MO
was useful for detecting both MO dual infections and MO mosaic patterns.
Mammalian Pathogenesis and Transmission of H7N9 Influenza Viruses from Three Waves, 2013-2015
Authors: Belser Jessica A. , Creager Hannah M. , Sun Xiangjie , Gustin Kortney M. , Jones Tara , Shieh Wun-Ju , Maines Taronna R. , Tumpey Terrence M. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Three waves of human infection with H7N9 influenza viruses have concluded to date, but only viruses within the first wave (isolated between March and September 2013) have been extensively studied in mammalian models. While second- and third-wave viruses remain closely linked phylogenetically and antigenically, even subtle molecular changes can impart critical shifts in mammalian virulence. To determine if H7N9 viruses isolated from humans during 2013 to 2015 have maintained the phenotype first identified among 2013 isolates, we assessed the ability of first-, second-, and third-wave H7N9 viruses isolated from humans to cause disease in mice and ferrets and to transmit among ferrets. Similar to first-wave viruses, H7N9 viruses from 2013 to 2015 were highly infectious in mice, with lethality comparable to that of the well-studied A/Anhui/1/2013 virus. Second- and third-wave viruses caused moderate disease in ferrets, transmitted efficiently to cohoused, naive contact animals, and demonstrated limited transmissibility by respiratory droplets. All H7N9 viruses replicated efficiently in human bronchial epithelial cells, with subtle changes in pH fusion threshold identified between H7N9 viruses examined. Our results indicate that despite increased genetic diversity and geographical distribution since their initial detection in 2013, H7N9 viruses have maintained a pathogenic phenotype in mammals and continue to represent an immediate threat to public health.

IMPORTANCE
H7N9 influenza viruses, first isolated in 2013, continue to cause human infection and represent an ongoing public health threat. Now entering the fourth wave of human infection, H7N9 viruses continue to exhibit genetic diversity in avian hosts, necessitating continuous efforts to monitor their pandemic potential. However, viruses isolated post-2013 have not been extensively studied, limiting our understanding of potential changes in virus-host adaptation. In order to ensure that current research with first-wave H7N9 viruses still pertains to more recently isolated strains, we compared the relative virulence and transmissibility of H7N9 viruses isolated during the second and third waves, through 2015, in the mouse and ferret models. Our finding that second- and third-wave viruses generally exhibit disease in mammals comparable to that of first-wave viruses strengthens our ability to extrapolate research from the 2013 viruses to current public health efforts. These data further contribute to our understanding of molecular determinants of pathogenicity, transmissibility, and tropism.