bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors impacting restaurant efficiency: a data envelopment analysis
Authors: Mhlanga Oswald 
Published: January 2018

PurposeRestaurants are characterised by predictable, seasonal factors and unpredictable, individual customer demand, which make it difficult for restaurateurs to attain efficiency. A combination of these two factors, macro-predictability and micro-uncertainty, produces economic risks, which make it difficult for restaurants to attain operational efficiency. The purpose of this study is to identify factors impacting restaurant efficiency in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachBy using primary and secondary sources, data were collected from 16 different types of restaurants in South Africa, for the period 2012-2016, on a variety of parameters. A two-stage empirical analysis was carried out, which involved the estimation of operational efficiencies during the first stage by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and determination of factors impacting restaurant performance in South Africa during the second stage by using two-way random-effects generalised least squares and Tobit regression models.FindingsThe results clearly show that the ability of restaurants to succeed will not be determined by their size but by their type, location and revenue per available seat. While the study finds various factors impacting on operational efficiency, the survival of restaurants in South Africa seem to be determined by cost efficiency, which brings in better market performance through lowering cost of sales.Practical implicationsThe results have implications for restaurant managers in that if they want to improve cost efficiency, they must manage restaurant capacity and customer demand in a way that maximises revenue. To stimulate demand during periods of low demand, management could consider strategies that attract more customers or encourage upselling, whereas during periods of high demand, management may consider raising prices or reducing meal durations. The results indicate that DEA is a useful tool to identify factors impacting restaurant efficiency and could enhance the service data and revenue management with regards to restaurant efficiency in South Africa.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first that attempts to identify factors impacting restaurant efficiency in South Africa by using DEA. The findings could enhance the service data and revenue management with regards to restaurant efficiency in South Africa.
The mycobiota of the sand fly Phlebotomus perniciosus: Involvement of yeast symbionts in uric acid metabolism
Authors: Martin Elena , Varotto Boccazzi Ilaria , De Marco Leone , Bongiorno Gioia , Montagna Matteo , Sacchi Luciano , Mensah Priscilla , Ricci Irene , Gradoni Luigi , Bandi Claudio , Epis Sara 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe knowledge of the fungal mycobiota of arthropods, including the vectors of human and animal diseases, is still limited. Here, the mycobiota associated with the sand fly Phlebotomus perniciosus, the main vector of leishmaniasis in the western Mediterranean area, by a culture‐dependent approach (microbiological analyses and sequencing of the 26S rRNA gene), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), and genome sequencing of the dominant yeast species was investigated. The dominant species was Meyerozyma guilliermondii, known for its biotechnological applications. The focus was on this yeast and its prevalence in adults, pupae and larvae of reared sand flies (overall prevalence: 57.5%) and of field‐collected individuals (overall prevalence: 9%) was investigated. Using whole‐mount FISH and microscopic examination, it was further showed that M. guilliermondii colonizes the midgut of females, males and larvae and the distal part of Malpighian tubules of female sand flies, suggesting a possible role in urate degradation. Finally, the sequencing and analysis of the genome of M. guilliermondii allowed predicting the complete uric acid degradation pathway, suggesting that the yeast could contribute to the removal of the excess of nitrogenous wastes after the blood meal of the insect host.
Indian Classical Dance: The Foundational Element in My Practice of Ethnography
Authors: VADREVU VYJAYANTHI 
Published: January 2018

Do we really understand how we became practitioners of ethnography?In this talk, I go through a re‐discovery of the links between my lifelong training in Indian classical dance and the elements this has instilled in my current practice of ethnography. In dance, we are trained to keenly observe every physical and emotional nuance of an item. Furthermore, we are taught symbolism and theory to deepen our interpretation of dance. This dance foundation has shaped my connection to every aspect of ethnography: from practice to analysis to presentation.
Immune protective effects of chitooligosaccharides on mice genital tract infected by Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Qian Li , Chen Linjun 
Published: January 2018

ProblemThe immune protective effects of chitooligosaccharides (COs) on mouse genital tract infected by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) were unknown.MethodsThe minimum effective/infective dose was obtained by establishing the murine model of the genital tract infected by Ct. The model mice were treated with different doses (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g/kg,) of COs and 0.9% saline, and the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and interleukin (IL)‐11 levels were then assayed. The healthy mice were used as the control. After 1 week of immunity, a double‐effective/infective dose of Ct was used to attack the genital tract. After 10 days of experiment, the mice were killed, their spleen and thymus indexes were determined, and the pathological changes in their genital tract were evaluated.ResultsTreatment with COs increased the serum IgG antibody, IL‐11 levels, and spleen and thymus indexes but decreased the positive infection rate and inclusion body formation with Ct.ConclusionCOs could induce immune protection on the Ct‐infected mouse genital tract and might be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of genital tract infected with Ct.
A new retrograde transillumination technique for videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation
Authors: Biro P. , Fried E. , Schlaepfer M. , Kristensen M. S. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis single‐centre, prospective trial was designed to assess the efficacy of a new retrograde transillumination device called the ‘Infrared Red Intubation System’ (IRRIS) to aid videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation. We included 40 adult patients, who were undergoing elective urological surgery under general anaesthesia. We assessed the ability to differentiate the transilluminated glottis from other structures and found a median (IQR [range]) larynx recognition time of 8 (5–14 [3–28]) s. The difference in laryngeal visibility on the screen between the deactivated vs. activated device expressed on a visual analogue scale was significant (6 (4–7 [2–10]) vs. 10 (8–10 [4–10]); p < 0.001). The number of laryngoscope insertions was 1 (1–2 [1–3]) and the device showed high values on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (lowest score) to 10 (highest score) for helpfulness (6 (5–7 [2–10])), credibility (10 (8–10 [5–10])) and ease of use (10 (9–10 [8–10])). Tracheal intubation with the system lasted 26 (16–32 [6–89]) s. No alternative technique of securing the airway was necessary. The lowest SpO2 during intubation was 98 (97–99 [91–100])%. We conclude that this method of retrograde transillumination can assist videolaryngoscopy.
Wheat oral immunotherapy was moderately successful but was associated with very frequent adverse events in children aged 6–18 years
Authors: Kulmala Petri , Pelkonen Anna S. , Kuitunen Mikael , Paassilta Marita , Remes Sami , Schultz Rüdiger , Dunder Teija , Turunen Sami , Mäkelä Mika J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThis study investigated oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children aged 6–18 years with wheat allergies.MethodsWell‐cooked wheat spaghetti was given to 100 children with wheat allergies every day for 17 weeks, increasing from 0.3 to 2000 mg of wheat protein, followed by three‐ and nine‐month maintenance phases. Blood samples were taken before therapy and at follow‐up visits. The study was carried out in 2009–2015 in four Finnish paediatric allergology units.ResultsThe children (67% male) had a mean age of 11.6 years (range 6.1–18.6), and 57 were using wheat daily 16 months after the initiation of therapy. Allergic symptoms occurred in 94/100 children: mild in 34, moderate in 36 and severe in 24. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) for ω‐5‐gliadin was significantly higher in patients who did not reach the target dose and were related to the intensity of reactions.ConclusionThe majority (57%) of children with wheat allergies could use wheat in their daily diet 16 months after the initiation of OIT, but 94/100 had adverse reactions and 60 were moderate or severe. Specific IgE to ω‐5‐gliadin may provide a biomarker for how much wheat can be tolerated and the intensity of the reactions to immunotherapy.
Pre‐clinical Characterization of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Properties of TAK‐063
Authors: Tohyama Kimio , Sudo Miyako , Morohashi Akio , Kato Suguru , Takahashi Junzo , Tagawa Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTAK‐063 is currently being developed to treat schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties of TAK‐063 using several paradigms. Following oral administration of TAK‐063 at 0.3 mg/kg, bioavailability of TAK‐063 was 27.4% in rats and 49.5% in dogs with elimination half‐lives of 3.1 hr in rats and 3.7 hr in dogs. TAK‐063 is a highly permeable compound without P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) or breast cancer resistance protein substrate liability and can be readily absorbed into systemic circulation via the intestine. TAK‐063 can also cross the blood–brain barrier. TAK‐063 was metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4/5, while incubation with human liver microsomes produced the major human metabolite, M‐I as well as several unknown minor metabolites. Metabolism of TAK‐063 to M‐I occurs through hydroxylation of the mono‐substituted pyrazole moiety. In vitro, TAK‐063 was observed to inhibit CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and P‐gp with IC50 values of 8.4, 12 and 7.13 μM, respectively. TAK‐063 was primarily excreted in the faeces in rats and dogs with M‐I as a predominant component. The pre‐clinical data from these ADME studies demonstrate a favourable pharmacokinetic profile for TAK‐063 with good brain distribution supporting the feasibility of targeting central nervous system regions involved in schizophrenia pathophysiology. TAK‐063 has recently been investigated in a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02477020).
Assessing and addressing cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force recommendations for clinicians
Authors: Miskowiak KW , Burdick KE , Martinez‐Aran A , Bonnin CM , Bowie CR , Carvalho AF , Gallagher P , Lafer B , López‐Jaramillo C , Sumiyoshi T , McIntyre RS , Schaffer A , Porter RJ , Purdon S , Torres IJ , Yatham LN , Young AH , Kessing LV , Vieta E 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesCognition is a new treatment target to aid functional recovery and enhance quality of life for patients with bipolar disorder. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Targeting Cognition Task Force aimed to develop consensus‐based clinical recommendations on whether, when and how to assess and address cognitive impairment.MethodsThe task force, consisting of 19 international experts from nine countries, discussed the challenges and recommendations in a face‐to‐face meeting, telephone conference call and email exchanges. Consensus‐based recommendations were achieved through these exchanges with no need for formal consensus methods.ResultsThe identified questions were: (I) Should cognitive screening assessments be routinely conducted in clinical settings? (II) What are the most feasible screening tools? (III) What are the implications if cognitive impairment is detected? (IV) What are the treatment perspectives? Key recommendations are that clinicians: (I) formally screen cognition in partially or fully remitted patients whenever possible, (II) use brief, easy‐to‐administer tools such as the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry and Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment, and (III) evaluate the impact of medication and comorbidity, refer patients for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation when clinically indicated, and encourage patients to build cognitive reserve. Regarding question (IV), there is limited evidence for current evidence‐based treatments but intense research efforts are underway to identify new pharmacological and/or psychological cognition treatments.ConclusionsThis task force paper provides the first consensus‐based recommendations for clinicians on whether, when, and how to assess and address cognition, which may aid patients’ functional recovery and improve their quality of life.
Present status and future perspective of peptide‐based vaccine therapy for urological cancer
Authors: Obara Wataru , Kanehira Mitsugu , Katagiri Toyomasa , Kato Renpei , Kato Yoichiro , Takata Ryo 
Published: January 2018

Use of peptide‐based vaccines as therapeutics aims to elicit immune responses through antigenic epitopes derived from tumor antigens. Peptide‐based vaccines are easily synthesized and lack significant side‐effects when given in vivo. Peptide‐based vaccine therapy against several cancers including urological cancers has made progress for several decades, but there is no worldwide approved peptide vaccine. Peptide vaccines were also shown to induce a high frequency of immune response in patients accompanied by clinical efficacy. These data are discussed in light of the recent progression of immunotherapy caused by the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors thus providing a general picture of the potential therapeutic efficacy of peptide‐based vaccines and their combination with other biological agents. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of the antitumor effect of peptide‐based vaccine therapy, development of our peptide vaccine, recent clinical trials using peptide vaccines for urological cancers, and perspectives of peptide‐based vaccine therapy.
Isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice and effects of A1 adenosine receptors on cognitive impairment
Authors: Zuo Chun‐Long , Wang Chun‐Man , Liu Jin , Shen Ting , Zhou Jiang‐Ping , Hao Xin‐Rui , Pan Yi‐Zhao , Liu Hua‐Cheng , Lian Qing‐Quan , Lin Han 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimsIsoflurane may not only accelerate the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but increase the risk of incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether isoflurane contributed to the POCD occurrence through A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in aged mice.MethodsWe assessed cognitive function of mice with Morris water maze (MWM) and then measured expression level of two AD biomarkers (P‐tau and Aβ) and a subtype of the NMDA receptor (NR2B) in aged wild‐type (WT) and homozygous A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) knockout (KO) mice at baseline and after they were exposed to isoflurane (1.4% for 2 hours).ResultsFor cognitive test, WT mice with isoflurane exposure performed worse than the WT mice without isoflurane exposure. However, A1AR KO mice with isoflurane exposure performed better than WT mice with isoflurane exposure. WT mice exposed to isoflurane had increased levels of Aβ and phosphorylated tau (P‐tau). Levels of Aβ and P‐tau were decreased in A1AR KO mice, whereas no differences were noted between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure. NR2B expression was inversely related to that of P‐tau, with no differences found between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure.ConclusionsWe found an association between isoflurane exposure, impairment of spatial memory, decreasing level of NR2B, and increasing levels of A‐beta and P‐tau, presumably via the activation of the A1A receptor.
Are optimal contracting and managerial power competing or complementary views? Evidence from the compensation of statutory auditors in Italy
Authors: Melis Andrea , Rombi Luigi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study examines whether and to what extent the compensation of independent monitors at the board level is the outcome of an optimal contract between independent parties or the result of involvement with corporate insiders.Research Findings/InsightsBy using a hierarchical linear regression model with a sample of 559 statutory auditors, whose main task is to monitor the acts and the decision‐making process of the board of directors, this study provides evidence that statutory auditors' compensation is mainly based upon the effort and responsibilities that are observable by shareholders. However, our findings highlight that the additional, poorly disclosed, compensation that a statutory auditor may receive, unrelated to his/her role, is associated with his/her involvement with corporate insiders.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsBy analyzing a de facto three‐tier hierarchical agency model, this study gives insights into how and to what extent the optimal contracting and managerial power perspectives provide complementary, rather than competing, explanations to the basis and design of compensation at the board level. Not only do these perspectives of agency theory co‐exist at an aggregate level, but also seem to be complementary at both the firm level and individual level.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study offers insights to policymakers by questioning the current regulation that allows threats to the de facto independence of a formally independent corporate governance mechanism. We recommend further disclosure about the criteria and the rationales of the additional compensation received by statutory auditors. In addition, we suggest investors and other stakeholders, who may rely on the work of the board of statutory auditors as independent monitor, to be careful about the way statutory auditors are paid.
Fortuitous benefits of living kidney donation: Diagnosis of serious medical conditions during the living donor evaluation
Authors: Hoffman Arika , Tendulkar Ketki , Merani Shaheed , Maskin Alexander , Langnas Alan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAll living kidney donors are counseled about the possible surgical and medical risks associated with donation. Only a minority of transplant centers discuss the potential benefit of discovering undiagnosed medical conditions in the donor during evaluation, as part of their consent process.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated all potential living kidney donors evaluated over a 10‐year period at a single center to characterize incidentally diagnosed serious medical conditions.ResultsSixty‐five of the 762 potential donors (8.5%) were not approved for donation because of a newly diagnosed serious medical condition discovered during their evaluation. This included six patients diagnosed with malignancies, five of which required operative intervention, six patients diagnosed with transmittable diseases requiring follow‐up and treatment, four patients were found to have bilateral renal stones with significant stone burden, and two patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. Additionally, four patients were diagnosed with significant heart disease, and one of those patients subsequently required a coronary artery bypass surgery.ConclusionsThe evaluation process can diagnose serious medical conditions in a significant minority of donors that would have otherwise been unrecognized. The benefit associated with the donor evaluation should be considered an important part of the consent process.
Subsoil phosphorus is affected by fertilization regime in long‐term agricultural experimental trials
Authors: Bauke S. L. , von Sperber C. , Tamburini F. , Gocke M. I. , Honermeier B. , Schweitzer K. , Baumecker M. , Don A. , Sandhage‐Hofmann A. , Amelung W. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryArable subsoils store large amounts of phosphorus (P); however, it is unclear to what extent, and under which conditions, subsoil resources might supplement crop P acquisition. Here, we hypothesized that (i) insufficient supply of P in topsoil promotes P acquisition from subsoil and (ii) subsoil P cycling is regulated by nitrogen (N) supply. We sampled two German long‐term fertilizer trials in Thyrow (sandy soil) and Gießen (loamy‐clayey soil) to 100‐cm depth. Treatments received either NPK, NK or PK fertilizer for > 60 years. We assessed soil inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P pools following Hedley sequential extraction, and the oxygen isotopic composition of HCl‐extractable phosphate (δ18OHCl‐P), which differentiates P from primary and secondary (previously biologically cycled) minerals. We found that in the Hedley sequential extraction subsoil resin‐P stocks (30–100 cm) in NK plots were 60% (Thyrow) and 8% (Gießen) less than those in NPK plots. Subsoil HCl Pi stocks in NK exceeded those of NPK plots by 70% in Thyrow, but not in Gießen. The NK treatments showed significantly smaller subsoil δ18OHCl‐P values than NPK treatments, indicating a predominance of primary (not biologically cycled) minerals and refuting our hypothesis that P deficiency promotes P acquisition from primary minerals. Under N‐limiting conditions, subsoil resin‐P stocks exceeded those under NPK fertilizer by 117% (Thyrow) and 22% (Gießen), supporting our second hypothesis. We conclude that an efficient use of subsoil P resources is achieved only when nutrient supply in arable topsoils is sufficient.Highlights
Long‐term N and P fertilization promotes use of P from subsoil (> 30-cm depth)
Subsoil stocks of resin P were less in NK than NPK fertilized plots
Elevated δ18OHCl‐P in the subsoil of NPK plots indicates effects by enzymatic activity
Small δ18OHCl‐P values in the subsoil of NK plots indicate a predominance of primary minerals
Epidermal permeability barrier function and sphingolipid content in the skin of sphingomyelin synthase 2 deficient mice
Authors: Nomoto Koji , Itaya Yurina , Watanabe Ken , Yamashita Tadashi , Okazaki Toshiro , Tokudome Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is an enzyme that generates sphingomyelin (SM) from ceramide (CER) and phosphatidylcholine. SM in the epidermis is a precursor of CER, an important lipid for epidermal permeability barrier function. However, the physiological role of SMS in skin is unclear. To uncover the function of SMS in skin, we investigated sphingolipid metabolism enzyme activity in skin, SM content in the epidermis, CER content in the stratum corneum (SC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of barrier function in SMS2‐knockout (KO) mice. The activities of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes in skin homogenates were measured using a fluorescently labelled substrate. Enzymatic reaction products were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipids in the epidermis or SC were extracted and quantified by high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). TEWL was measured using a Tewameter TM300. In SMS2‐KO mice, SMS activity in skin homogenates, epidermal SM content and SC CER content were significantly decreased relative to wild‐type (WT) mice. The TEWL of SMS2‐KO mice was significantly increased compared to WT mice. Our data indicate that SMS2 generates SM in the epidermis and contributes to epidermal permeability barrier function and will support understanding of SM‐related metabolic disorders.