bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Governance structure in IT outsourcing: a network perspective
Authors: Lin Tingting , Hekkala Riitta 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The governance of information technology outsourcing (ITO) has been identified as an essential determinant for ITO success. Prior studies have shed light on effective governance structures in different organizational contexts. This study aims to advance this prior knowledge by exploring how interpersonal networks, as an important aspect of such context, reflect and influence ITO governance.Design/methodology/approach– A single case study was conducted from a vendor’s perspective in an ITO dyad. Social network analysis was leveraged to reveal the interpersonal networks, with whole-network analysis on 24 team members in an ITO vendor company. In addition, open-ended interviews with six selected team members were utilized to identify the perceived governance structure.Findings– The findings of this study suggest certain features of interpersonal networks, i.e. network density and cross-network comparison, can reflect governance structure in multiple aspects. Meanwhile, the authors also argue that interpersonal networks can influence the form of governance structure.Research limitations/implications– As a single case study, the context of the research site cannot be ignored in the inference of findings. To increase the confidence for further generalization, future empirical studies are needed especially in contrasting sites, such as ITO relations based on network governance.Originality/value– This study associates intra-organizational characteristics of the vendor to the inter-organizational governance structure of the ITO relationship. It also provides an innovative methodology for both researchers and practitioners to assess ITO governance structure.
Eyelid edema as a predictive factor for sensitization to Pru p 7 in peach allergy
Authors: Inomata Naoko , Miyakawa Mami , Aihara Michiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe clinical and laboratory factors related to Pru p 7 sensitization in peach allergy, compared with those associated with sensitization to Pru p 1, which is related to pollen‐food allergy syndrome (PFAS), have still not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical and laboratory features associated with sensitization to Pru p 7. Fifty patients (male : female, 14:36; mean age, 31.8 years) with peach allergy were enrolled in this study. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) against the purified nPru p 7 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay, whereas using ImmunoCAP, sIgE levels against peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3 and rPru p 4 were measured. Correlations between the clinical characteristics of peach allergy and sensitization to the allergens were statistically analyzed. In 50 patients with peach allergy, 13 and 33 patients were sensitized with nPru p 7 and rPru p 1, respectively. Laryngeal tightness, conjunctival injection, facial edema, eyelid edema and urticaria were significantly associated with Pru p 7 sensitization. In contrast, oropharyngeal symptoms were strongly related to Pru p 1 sensitization but were significantly less common in the Pru p 7‐positive group. Co‐sensitization to the representative pollens related to PFAS, such as alder pollens, was significantly related to Pru p 1 sensitization, but not Pru p 7 sensitization. Along with the absence of co‐sensitization to pollens related to PFAS, facial edema and especially eyelid edema after the ingestion of peaches could be a predictive factor for sensitization to Pru p 7.
Connectivity between surface and deep waters determines prokaryotic diversity in the North Atlantic Deep Water
Authors: Frank Alexander H. , Garcia Juan A. L. , Herndl Gerhard J. , Reinthaler Thomas 
Published: February 2016

SummaryTo decipher the influence of depth stratification and surface provincialism on the dark ocean prokaryotic community composition, we sampled the major deep‐water masses in the eastern North Atlantic covering three biogeographic provinces. Their diversity was evaluated using ordination and canonical analysis of 454 pyrotag sequences. Variance partitioning suggested that 16% of the variation in the bacterial community composition was based on depth stratification while 9% of the variation was due to geographic location. General linear mixed effect models showed that the community of the subsurface waters was connected to the dark ocean prokaryotic communities in different biogeographic provinces. Cluster analysis indicated that some prokaryotic taxa are specific to distinct regions in bathypelagic water masses. Taken together, our data suggest that the dark ocean prokaryotic community composition of the eastern North Atlantic is primed by the formation and the horizontal transport of water masses.
Calcium transcriptionally regulates the biofilm machinery of Xylella fastidiosa to promote continued biofilm development in batch cultures
Authors: Parker Jennifer K. , Chen Hongyu , McCarty Sara E. , Liu Lawrence Y. , De La Fuente Leonardo 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe functions of calcium (Ca) in bacteria are less characterized than in eukaryotes, where its role has been studied extensively. The plant‐pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has several virulence features that are enhanced by increased Ca concentrations, including biofilm formation. However, the specific mechanisms driving modulation of this feature are unclear. Characterization of biofilm formation over time showed that 4 mM Ca supplementation produced denser biofilms that were still developing at 96 h, while biofilm in non‐supplemented media had reached the dispersal stage by 72 h. To identify changes in global gene expression in X. fastidiosa grown in supplemental Ca, RNA‐Seq of batch culture biofilm cells was conducted at three 24‐h time intervals. Results indicate that a variety of genes are differentially expressed in response to Ca, including genes related to attachment, motility, exopolysaccharide synthesis, biofilm formation, peptidoglycan synthesis, regulatory functions, iron homeostasis, and phages. Collectively, results demonstrate that Ca supplementation induces a transcriptional response that promotes continued biofilm development, while biofilm cells in nonsupplemented media are driven towards dispersion of cells from the biofilm structure. These results have important implications for disease progression in planta, where xylem sap is the source of Ca and other nutrients for X. fastidiosa.
Contrasting strategies used by lichen microalgae to cope with desiccation–rehydration stress revealed by metabolite profiling and cell wall analysis
Authors: Centeno Danilo C. , Hell Aline F. , Braga Marcia R. , del Campo Eva M. , Casano Leonardo M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryMost lichens in general, and their phycobionts in particular, are desiccation tolerant, but their mechanisms of desiccation tolerance (DT) remain obscure. The physiological responses and cell wall features of two putatively contrasting lichen‐forming microalgae, Trebouxia sp. TR9 (TR9), isolated from Ramalina farinacea (adapted to frequent desiccation‐rehydration cycles), and Coccomyxa solorina‐saccatae (Csol), obtained from Solorina saccata (growing in usually humid limestone crevices, subjected to seasonal dry periods) was characterized. Microalgal cultures were desiccated under 25%–30% RH and then rehydrated. Under these conditions, RWC and ψw decreased faster and simultaneously during dehydration in Csol, whereas TR9 maintained its ψw until 70% RWC. The metabolic profile indicated that polyols played a key role in DT of both microalgae. However, TR9 constitutively accumulated higher amounts of polyols, whereas Csol induced the polyol synthesis under desiccation–rehydration. Csol also accumulated ascorbic acid, while TR9 synthesized protective raffinose‐family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and increased its content of phenolics. Additionally, TR9 exhibited thicker and qualitatively different cell wall and extracellular polymeric layer compared with Csol, indicating higher water retention capability. The findings were consistent with the notion that lichen microalgae would have evolved distinct strategies to cope with desiccation–rehydration stress in correspondence with the water regime of their respective habitats.
Microcredit Programme Participation and Household Food Security in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Asadul , Maitra Chandana , Pakrashi Debayan , Smyth Russell 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLack of access to credit prevents poor households in developing countries from diversifying into income‐generating activities that could safeguard them against unforeseen shocks and seasonality, leaving them susceptible to food deprivation, even when aggregate food supplies are adequate. Microcredit programmes help these households to access financial capital that could help improve their food security situation. We examine how microcredit affects different measures of food security; namely, household calorie availability, dietary diversity indicators and anthropometric status of women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and children under the age of 5 years. We find that microcredit programme participation increases calorie availability both at the intensive and extensive margins, but does not improve dietary diversity and only has mixed effects on the anthropometric measures. We also find that the effect of microcredit participation on food security may be non‐linear in which participation initially has either no effect on food security or may actually worsen it, before improving it in the longer run. Our results help to explain why existing short‐term evaluations of microcredit sometimes do not show any positive effects.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from a Burned, Ninhydrin‐Treated Paper Towel
Authors: Buś Magdalena M. , Nilsson Martina , Allen Marie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractContact‐based evidence is likely to have limited quantities of DNA and may yield mixed profiles due to preexisting or contaminating DNA. In a recent arson investigation, a paper towel was collected and used as circumstantial evidence. The paper towel was partially burned and was likely set on fire with flammable liquid. As part of the investigation, the paper towel was treated with ninhydrin to visualize fingerprint evidence. Initial DNA analysis of two swabs was negative for short tandem repeat (STR) markers and revealed a mixture of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Analysis of 13 additional cuttings yielded four more mixed profiles, but also two samples with a common single‐source profile. The single‐source mtDNA profile matched that of the primary suspect in the case. Thus, even if initial mtDNA analysis yields a mixed profile, a sampling strategy involving multiple locations can improve the chance of obtaining valuable single‐source mtDNA profiles from compromised evidence in criminal casework.
Factors that influence dietary intake in adults with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Shalit Natalie , Tierney Audrey , Holland Anne , Miller Belinda , Norris Naomi , King Susannah 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimMalnutrition is common amongst people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and nutrition status is an important determinant of symptoms, morbidity and prognosis. Inadequate diet is recognised as a contributor to malnutrition in this population; however, there are limited studies exploring individual perspectives on nutrition amongst people with COPD. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence dietary intake patterns in a metropolitan, stable COPD population.MethodsThis qualitative study investigated participants with stable COPD who attend pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Thirty participants underwent body composition measurements, completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and participated in a semi‐structured interview to explore influences on food choices. Qualitative responses were examined using thematic analysis to identify major barriers and enablers shaping nutrition‐related behaviours.ResultsMean (±SD) body mass index was 26.6 ± 7.6 kg/m2. Analysis of food intake showed inadequate servings per day of dairy, fruit and vegetables. Common themes influencing food choices included: breathlessness and fatigue affecting appetite, swallowing problems, limited social and financial supports, reduced motivation and limited knowledge about the impact of nutrition on COPD.ConclusionsNutrition assessment of patients with COPD should encompass physical and social circumstances influencing dietary intake and support networks that promote healthy eating behaviours. Nutrition intervention should be tailored to individual circumstances, with ongoing follow‐up to maintain motivation and adapt to changing clinical status.
HYSTAR Sediment Model: Distributed Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Watershed Erosion and Sediment Transport Using Time‐Area Routing
Authors: Her Younggu , Heatwole Conrad 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn erosion and sediment transport component incorporated in the HYdrology Simulation using Time‐ARea method (HYSTAR) upland watershed model provides grid‐based prediction of erosion, transport and deposition of sediment in a dynamic, continuous, and fully distributed framework. The model represents the spatiotemporally varied flow in sediment transport simulation by coupling the time‐area routing method and sediment transport capacity approach within a grid‐based spatial data model. This avoids the common, and simplistic, approach of using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to estimate erosion rates with a delivery ratio to relate gross soil erosion to sediment yield of a watershed, while enabling us to simulate two‐dimensional sediment transport processes without the complexity of numerical solution of the partial differential governing equations. In using the time‐area method for routing sediment, the model offers a novel alternative to watershed‐scale sediment transport simulation that provides detailed spatial representation. In predicting four‐year sediment hydrographs of a watershed in Virginia, the model provided good performance with R2 of 0.82 and 0.78 and relative error of −35% and 11% using the Yalin and Yang's sediment transport capacity equations, respectively. Prediction of spatiotemporal variation in sediment transport processes was evaluated using maps of sediment transport rates, concentrations, and erosion and deposition mass, which compare well with expected behavior of flow hydraulics and sediment transport processes.
Applications of Explicitly Incorporated/Post‐Processing Measurement Uncertainty in Watershed Modeling
Authors: Yen Haw , Hoque Yamen M. , Wang Xiuying , Harmel Robert Daren 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn the field of watershed modeling, the impact of measurement uncertainty (MU) on calibration results indicates the potential issue of inaccurate model predictions. It is important to note that MU refers to the uncertainty in measured data such as flow and nutrient values that are used to evaluate model outputs. The calculation of error statistics assuming measured data are deterministic may not be appropriate as has been frequently stated in literature. Although MU can affect model calibration results, it is rarely incorporated in modeling practice. MU can be incorporated in two schemes: explicitly incorporated (MU‐EI) during model calibration and post‐processed (MU‐PP) after calibration is completed. In this study, both schemes are implemented in a case study of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed, Texas. Unexpectedly, no substantial differences were observed between each scheme for flow predictions. Although MU did not cause dramatic differences in most sediment and NH4‐N predictions, error statistics were affected in cases with MU greater than 50%, especially for sediment and NH4‐N. Therefore, it is concluded that MU may not exert a significant impact on model predictions until certain threshold is reached. This study demonstrates that high levels of uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data significantly affect parameter estimation, especially in the auto‐calibration process.
Daily Precipitation Extremes in Iran: Decadal Anomalies and Possible Drivers
Authors: Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study focuses on the empirical statistical analysis of the anomalies in daily precipitation extremes by applying the quantile perturbation method (QPM) to data from 31 Iranian weather stations during the period between 1961 and 2005. The possible causes behind the anomalies in precipitation extremes are identified by analyzing their relationship with the anomalies in eight atmospheric indices (i.e., NAO, SOI, PDO, AMO, NCP, DMI, WeMO, SSN). In terms of decadal oscillations, the country was generally wet in the 1960s and 1970s with most stations exhibiting periods of higher quantile perturbations, whereas lower quantile perturbations were dominant in the 1980s and 1990s. The highest perturbation in extreme precipitation quantiles prevails in Central Iran during the early 1980s, in which the quantiles are about 50% higher than the ones based on the full time series. The frequency of significant precipitation anomalies for winter season was greater than that for spring and autumn seasons. For the summer season, the humid region in North Iran demonstrates strong positive anomalies. The results highlight the noticeable role of large‐scale climatic factors in the anomalous behavior of precipitation extremes in Iran. The atmospheric drivers of the quantile anomalies in extreme precipitation were found to differ from one season to another.
Autonomic Modulation by Electrical Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: An Emerging Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: He Bo , Lu Zhibing , He Wenbo , Huang Bing , Jiang Hong 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe cardiac autonomic nervous system has been known to play an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases the parasympathetic activity and suppresses the sympathetic activity, is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review the recent literature on autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, including vagus nerve stimulation, transcutaneous auricular vagal stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and ganglionated plexi stimulation, in the treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias.
Baseline sensitivity and efficacy of fluopyram against Botrytis cinerea from table grape in Italy
Authors: Vitale A. , Panebianco A. , Polizzi G. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTSuccinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides constitute a relatively recent fungicide class registered for the treatment of grey mould on grapevine in Italy. The sensitivity profile to a novel compound fluopyram was established for a set of 203 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from Sicilian vineyards within 2009–2012 prior its introduction into market. In addition, its performances were compared in in vitro and in vivo assays with other registered SDHI fungicide boscalid, to evaluate their frequency distributions EC50 values and cross‐resistance patterns. Results of the article showed that EC50 values for fluopyram ranged from 0.05 to 1.98 µg mL−1. Although EC50 values of boscalid ranged from 0.01 to 89.52 µg mL−1, no cross‐resistance relationship was observed between the two fungicides (r = 0.003; P = 0.964) within our B. cinerea population. On further confirming these data, boscalid failed in controlling grey mould infections when boscalid‐resistant isolates were inoculated on grape berries whereas fluopyram exhibited a good efficacy against the same isolates. This study represents the first report on the baseline sensitivity to fluopyram within B. cinerea population from Sicilian table grape vineyards in Italy, and it clearly shows the lack of cross‐resistance in vitro and in vivo between fluopyram and boscalid for the field pathogen isolates. These results provided useful information for managing of fungicide resistance suggesting that fluopyram could be a valid alternative to boscalid for the control of grey mould of table grape.
A randomized controlled trial of buprenorphine taper duration among opioid‐dependent adolescents and young adults
Authors: Marsch Lisa A. , Moore Sarah K. , Borodovsky Jacob T. , Solhkhah Ramon , Badger Gary J. , Semino Shelby , Jarrett Kate , Condon Kathleen DiGangi , Rossettie Kate , Vincent Phillip , Hajizadeh Neda , Ducat Elizabeth 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsFew randomized controlled trials have evaluated buprenorphine treatment interventions for opioid‐dependent youth. Consequently, optimal administration strategies for this cohort are unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the relative efficacy of two different buprenorphine taper lengths in promoting abstinence from illicit opioids and treatment retention among opioid‐dependent youth.DesignA double‐blind, placebo controlled, multicenter randomized controlled trial.SettingTwo hospital‐based research clinics (Manhattan and Brooklyn) in New York City, USA from 2005 to 2010.ParticipantsVolunteer sample of 53 primarily Caucasian participants between the ages of 16 and 24 (n = 11 under age 18) who met DSM‐IV opioid dependence criteria.InterventionParticipants were assigned randomly to either a 28‐day buprenorphine taper (n = 28) or 56‐day buprenorphine taper (n = 25) via a parallel‐groups design during a 63‐day period. Both groups received behavioral counseling and opioid abstinence incentives. Both taper conditions had a minimum of 1 week of placebo dosing at the end of the taper.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was opioid abstinence measured as a percentage of scheduled urine toxicology tests documented to be negative for opioids. The secondary outcome was treatment retention, measured as number of days attended scheduled visits.FindingsIntent‐to‐treat analyses revealed that participants who received a 56‐day buprenorphine taper had a significantly higher percentage of opioid‐negative scheduled urine tests compared with participants who received a 28‐day buprenorphine taper [35 versus 17%, P = 0.039; Cohen's d = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.02, 1.13]. Participants who received a 56‐day buprenorphine taper were retained in treatment significantly longer than participants who received a 28‐day buprenorphine taper (37.5 versus 26.4 days, P = 0.027; Cohen's d = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.06, 1.19). Daily attendance requirement was associated with decreased abstinence and shorter retention compared with a two to three times weekly attendance requirement, independent of taper duration. Follow‐up data were insufficient to report.ConclusionLonger (56‐day) buprenorphine taper produces better opioid abstinence and retention outcomes than shorter (28‐day) buprenorphine taper for opioid‐dependent youth.