bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A soft X-ray lag detected in Centaurus A
Authors: Tachibana Yutaro , Kawamuro Taiki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Shidatsu Megumi , Arimoto Makoto , Yoshii Taketoshi , Yatsu Yoichi , Saito Yoshihiko , Pike Sean , Kawai Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We performed time-lag analysis on the X-ray light curves of Centaurus A (Cen A) obtained by the Gas Slit Camera (GSC) aboard the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) in three energy bands (2–4 keV, 4–10 keV, and 10–20 keV). We discovered a soft X-ray lag relative to higher energies (soft lag) on a timescale of days in a flaring episode by employing the discrete correlation function (DCF) and the z-transformed discrete correlation function (ZDCF) method. In the episode, a peak and a centroid in the DCF and the ZDCF was observed at a soft lag of ∼ 5 d in 2–4 keV versus 4–10 keV and in 4–10 keV versus 10–20 keV, and ∼ 10 d in 2–4 keV versus 10–20 keV. We found it difficult to explain the observed X-ray variation by a single energy injection with the one-zone synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model, in which the soft lags in these three energy bands reflect the different cooling times of the relativistic electrons, by assuming the magnetic field and minimum Lorentz factor estimated from a broad-band spectral energy distribution. Alternatively, if the phenomenon is interpreted as cooling of Comptonizing electrons in a corona covering the accretion disk, the temperature of the corona producing the variable X-rays should be ∼ 10 keV for reconciliation with the soft lag in the energy range of 2–20 keV.
Transfusion of 35-Day Stored RBCs in the Presence of Endotoxemia Does Not Result in Lung Injury in Humans*
Authors: Peters Anna L. , van Hezel Maike E. , Cortjens Bart , Tuip-de Boer Anita M. , van Bruggen Robin , de Korte Dirk , Jonkers René E. , Bonta Peter I. , Zeerleder Sacha S. , Lutter Rene , Juffermans Nicole P. , Vlaar Alexander P. J. 
Published: March 2016

Objective:
Transfusion-related acute lung injury is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. Preclinical studies have shown that aged RBCs can induce transfusion-related acute lung injury in the presence of a “first hit” (e.g., sepsis). Clinical studies, however, show conflicting results on this matter. We tested whether maximally stored RBCs are able to induce lung injury in the presence of a “first hit” in humans (Dutch Trial Register: NTR4455).

Design:
Open-label, randomized controlled trial.

Patients:
Healthy male volunteers.

Interventions:
Eighteen healthy male volunteers donated one unit of autologous RBCs 2 or 35 days before the experiment. The experiment was started by infusion of 2 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide (“first hit”). After 2 hours, volunteers received normal saline (n = 6), 2-day stored transfusion (n = 6), or 35-day stored transfusion (n = 6) (“second hit”). Blood was sampled hourly. Six hours after transfusion, the diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide was tested and volunteers underwent spirometry, chest x-ray study, and a bronchoalveolar lavage.

Measurements and Main Results:
All volunteers fulfilled sepsis criteria after lipopolysaccharide injection. The stored blood transfusion did not result in significant changes in either hemodynamic or respiratory variables compared with the control groups. Furthermore, chest x-rays, lung function, and Pao
2/Fio
2 ratios did not differ between groups. Transfusion of stored autologous RBCs did not result in an increased level of protein in the lungs or neutrophil influx.

Conclusions:
Transfusion of 35-day stored autologous RBCs in the presence of endotoxemia does not result in lung injury in humans.
Evaluation of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitoring in Surgical Critical Care Patients*
Authors: Xu Tim , Yang Ting , Kim Joseph B. , Romig Mark C. , Sapirstein Adam , Winters Bradford D. 
Published: March 2016

Objective:
To assess the clinical utility of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring based on pulse cooximetry in the ICU setting.

Design and Setting:
A total of 358 surgical patients from a large urban, academic hospital had the noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring pulse cooximeter placed at admission to the ICU. Core and stat laboratory hemoglobin measurements were taken at the discretion of the clinicians, who were blinded to noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring values.

Measurement and Main Results:
There was a poor correlation between the 2,465 time-matched noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring and laboratory hemoglobin measurements (r
2 = 0.29). Bland-Altman analysis showed a positive bias of 1.0 g/dL and limits of agreement of –2.5 to 4.6 g/dL. Accuracy was best at laboratory values of 10.5–14.5 g/dL and least at laboratory values of 6.5–8 g/dL. At hemoglobin values that would ordinarily identify a patient as requiring a transfusion (< 8 g/dL), noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring consistently overestimated the patient’s true hemoglobin. When sequential laboratory values declined below 8 g/dL (n = 102) and 7 g/dL (n = 13), the sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring at identifying these events were 27% and 7%, respectively. At a threshold of 8 g/dL, continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring values reached the threshold before the labs in 45 of 102 instances (44%) and at 7 g/dL, noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring did so in three of 13 instances (23%). Noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring minus laboratory hemoglobin differences showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.47 within individual patients. Longer length of stay and higher All Patient Refined Diagnostic-Related Groups severity of illness were associated with poor noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring accuracy.

Conclusions:
Although noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring technology holds promise, it is not yet an acceptable substitute for laboratory hemoglobin measurements. Noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring performs most poorly in the lower hemoglobin ranges that include commonly used transfusion trigger thresholds and is not consistent within individual patients. Further refinement of the signal acquisition and analysis algorithms and clinical reevaluation are needed.
Combined Tolterodine and Vaginal Estradiol Cream for Overactive Bladder Symptoms After Randomized Single-Therapy Treatment
Authors: Ellington David Rich , Szychowski Jeffery Michael , Malek Joseph Michael , Gerten Kimberly Anne , Burgio Kathryn Larsen , Richter Holly Elizabeth 
Published: March 2016

Objectives
The aims of this study were to compare 12-week outcomes of single-therapy tolterodine (Detrol LA) extended release to intravaginal estrogen (Estrace) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and characterize 24- and 52-week outcomes in women undergoing combined therapy.

Methods
A single-site randomized, open-label trial in women with urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and/or urgency urinary incontinence symptoms was performed. Fifty-eight participants were randomized to oral tolterodine extended release daily or intravaginal estradiol cream nightly for 6 weeks then twice per week. The primary outcome was change in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) symptom bother score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQL) of the OAB-q and a 3-day bladder diary. At 12 weeks, subjects were offered addition of the alternative therapy with follow-up at 24 and 52 weeks.

Results
There was no difference in symptom bother score improvement between the tolterodine and intravaginal estradiol groups baseline to 12 weeks (20.6 ± 21.7, −15.8 ± 23.3, respectively, P = 0.45). There was a significant within-group decrease in symptom bother score from baseline to 12 weeks (tolterodine, P < 0.0001, and intravaginal estradiol, P = 0.002). Secondary outcome improvement within groups was noted in the HRQL total, urinary incontinence episodes, and median voiding frequency (all P ≤ 0.03) in the tolterodine group and in the HRQL total score (P = 0.03) in the intravaginal estradiol group, with no differences between groups. Combined therapy outcomes at 24 and 52 weeks compared with single therapy at 12 weeks revealed significant improvement in symptom bother score in the intravaginal estradiol + tolterodine group at 24 and 52 weeks (20.0 ± 23.9, P = 0.008; −16.7 ± 23.3, P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions
Significant within-group improvement in OAB-q symptom bother was noted in both the intravaginal estradiol and tolterodine groups for OAB symptoms, with no difference between groups. Greater improvement from 12-week single therapy to 24 and 52 weeks of combined therapy was noted in the group originally assigned to intravaginal estradiol. The role of combined medical therapy for OAB symptoms needs further investigation.
Evolution in Eggs and Phases: experimental evolution of fecundity and reproductive timing inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Alicea Bradly 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTTo examine the role of natural selection on fecundity in a variety ofCaenorhabditis elegansgenetic backgrounds, we used an experimental evolution protocol to evolve 14 distinct genetic strains over 15-20 generations. Beginning with three founder worms for each strain, we were able to generate 790 distinct genealogies, which provided information on both the effects of natural selection and the evolvability of each strain. Among these genotypes are a wildtype (N2) and a collection of mutants with targeted mutations in thedaf-c,daf-d, and AMPK pathways. The overarching goal of our analysis is two-fold: to observe differences in reproductive fitness and observe related changes in reproductive timing. This yields two outcomes. The first is that the majority of selective effects on fecundity occur during the first few generations of evolution, while the negative selection for reproductive timing occurs on longer timescales. The second finding reveals that positive selection on fecundity results in positive and negative selection on reproductive timing, both of which are strain-dependent. Using a derivative of population size per generation called the reproductive carry-over (RCO) measure, it is found that the fluctuation and shape of the probability distribution may be informative in terms of developmental selection. While these consist of general patterns that transcend mutations in a specific gene, changes in the RCO measure may nevertheless be products of selection. In conclusion, we discuss the broader implications of these findings, particularly in the context of genotype-fitness maps and the role of uncharacterized mutations in individual variation and evolvability.
Complexity in mentoring in a pre-service teacher practicum: a case study approach
Authors: Arshavskaya Ekaterina 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– Significant effort has been made to support pre-service and novice teacher learning in the K-12 context. Less attention has been paid to promoting pre-service and novice second language teacher learning via collaboration with peers and more expert educators at the university level. In order to facilitate this type of teacher collaboration, a mentoring project was incorporated into the existing practicum of a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) program at a US University. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the mentoring experiences of four ESL mentor-pre-service teacher pairs in the US University context.Design/methodology/approach– For this research project, eight teachers – four mentor-pre-service teacher pairs – participated as pairs in mentoring sessions focussed on activities such as co-planning, co-teaching, and co-reflecting on teaching. Informed by a sociocultural perspective on teacher learning (Vygotsky, 1978), this study presents case studies of all four pairs in order to demonstrate the complex nature of mentoring. The data analysis focussed on the content of the teachers’ interactions and their perceptions of the mentoring experience.Findings– The study traced the developmental trajectories of the participating teachers over one 15-week academic semester. The study uncovered some critical contradictions that the participants encountered during the mentoring experience, thus pointing to its complexity. The study also uncovered the varied nature of mentoring: whereas in one pair the mentor acted as a more expert other (Vygotsky, 1978), in another pair, the mentoring relationship was more reciprocal.Practical implications– This study showed that pre-service teachers can develop further through mentoring. Such mentoring can help teachers gain confidence and share teaching strategies. At the same time, the study revealed certain challenges associated with introducing a mentoring project in a pre-service teacher practicum. It is recommended that program faculty as a whole read the rich dialogues produced by participating teachers engaged in relationships focussed on collaborative learning, thereby discovering a foundation for revisions that go beyond individual teaching practices to the programmatic level.Originality/value– This study’s principal contribution to the field is that it showcases the complex nature of mentoring experiences and the ways in which they differ from each other.
Information technology is an enabling factor affecting supply chain performance in Indian SMEs
Authors: Tripathy Sushanta , Aich Satyabrata , Chakraborty Anurup , Lee Gyu M. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the success factors for supply chain in Indian small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and establish a causal relationship among them. In the present scenario, the SMEs are under huge pressure to achieve the supply chain competitive advantage and to improve operation and logistic effectiveness and, at the same time, remain tractable to the demand uncertainty and volatility in the market. To enhance the performance of supply chain in SMEs, the managers need to identify the internal as well as the external factors that affect the supply chain performance of SMEs in India. They need to understand the causal relationship of these factors.

Design/methodology/approach
– There may be a number of factors that are critical for achieving acceptable supply chain performance, and these factors have been identified by principal component analysis (PCA). In all, 29 factors have been identified by using PCA and the dominating 29 factors are categorized into 6 constructs, and finally, the structural equation modelling (SEM) methodology using the AMOS 4.0 program has been adopted as the primary methodology for this paper to assess the causal relationship among six constructs.

Findings
– In this paper, the authors analyzed the structural relations among information technology (IT), logistic effectiveness, operational effectiveness, customer relationship, supplier relationship and SCM competitive advantage. Results indicate that IT holds the key to achieve the SCM competitive advantage in SCM practices of SMEs in India.

Research limitations/implications
– The proposed models for enabling factors are tested in firms with a limited numbers of factors in highly competitive environment. More factors may be incorporated, which will help for a clear understanding and establishing the causal relationship among the various enabling factors.

Practical implications
– Although managers of Indian SMEs are aware of various enabling factors, a systematic approach is required for identifying enabling factors, and as these factors may have complex interrelation between them for analyzing supply chain performance in SMEs, it is essential that such an approach is in place. The paper presented here will help the SMEs managers in identifying the areas in which they need to focus their attention to improve SCM practices. A structural equation modelling is developed to show the complex relationship between the factors that affect the performance. In addition to that, the proposed structural equation model acts as a good guideline to improve the performance of the supply chain in India.

Originality/value
– The paper provides a structural equation model to develop a map of the causal relationships and magnitude among identified enabling factors.
Selecting Six Sigma projects: MCDM or DEA?
Authors: Yousefi Ali , Hadi-Vencheh Abdollah 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– Nowadays, most of the organizations have focused through the world on Six Sigma to reduce the costs, improve the productivity and enhance concerned individuals’ satisfaction, especially customers’ satisfaction. Annually, these organizations define and execute thousands of Six Sigma projects which involve a great deal of investments. But are all of these projects successful and do the organizations benefit from the above advantages? How can we reduce the risk of failure in Six Sigma projects? The first step to reduce the risk of failure in Six Sigma projects is selecting optimal ones which have the most profits and the least expected risks.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this paper, the effective criteria are recognized and defined in selecting Six Sigma projects. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to rank the results. Then, a real example is resolved by two important techniques in decision-making process, that is the AHP and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), as well as data envelopment analysis (DEA). The results from the above three methods are compared.

Findings
– The results of this paper show that by using fewer criteria, the results from AHP and TOPSIS are very similar. Also, the results from these techniques vary from DEA’s ones in many aspects. So regarding the different results and the importance of criteria in selecting the Six Sigma projects, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are more reliable in comparison with DEA, because decision-maker’s point of view is more effective in MCDM techniques.

Originality/value
– The paper, using a real case study, provides important new tools to enhance decision quality in Six Sigma project selection.
Modeling the factors and their inter-dependencies for investment decision in Indian mobile service sector
Authors: Bhadani Abhay Kumar , Shankar Ravi , Rao D. Vijay 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing investment decisions in mobile services for profitablity and to become a global leader in mobile services sector.

Design/methodology/approach
– A two-stage methodology is followed. In the first stage, factors are identified from literature, and are validated with telecommunication domain experts using the t-test. In the second stage, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to understand the complex interrelationships among various factors. Further, MICMAC analysis is performed to analyze the indirect relationships and their effect on different factors by stabilizing the rank based on driving and dependence power. Based on MICMAC analysis, four clusters are identified to aid the policy- and decision-makers.

Findings
– The major contribution of this research is imposing directions and dominance of various factors to make informed decision-making for investment in mobile services to meet the upcoming demand for mobile services in Indian telecommunication sector.

Research limitations/implications
– The applicability of these research findings is limited to emerging telecommunication market.

Practical implications
– This paper forms the basis for identifying various factors that act as the driving force for the Indian telecommunication operators to pay special attention toward mobile services, with telecommunication data analytics and developing context-aware services. This paper will aid policy-makers in the government, managers in telecommunication companies and other stakeholders such as content providers, channel partners and application developers to take a lead role in developing appropriate mobile services to meet local needs of Indian users. It will help in developing strategies to collaborate and motivate other stakeholders, including device manufacturers to understand and work collaboratively to become world leader in mobile services.

Originality/value
– This paper provides a framework for understanding the various factors that encourage telecommunication companies to establish and invest in mobile services and setup a separate vertical in their organization with a focus on mobile services to meet the future demands of Indian market. Appropriate utilization of telecommunication data analytics, personalization of services, customization in local languages and support for convergent services would encourage adoption of mobile services.
Integrating knowledge management (KM) strategies and processes to enhance organizational creativity and performance
Authors: Shahzad Khuram , Bajwa Sami Ullah , Siddiqi Ahmed Faisal Imtiaz , Ahmid Farhan , Raza Sultani Ali 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This study aims to identify if an integration between knowledge strategy and knowledge management (KM) processes leads to organizational creativity and performance.Design/methodology/approach– Quantitative strategy and cross-sectional survey method were used to collect data. In all, 219 randomly selected respondents from 173 listed companies provided feedback through self-administered questionnaire. Factor analysis and multiple regression techniques were used to test multiple hypotheses.Findings– Results revealed the significant positive impact of system-oriented KM systems strategy on KM process capabilities, creativity and organizational performance. No significant impact has been found of human-oriented KM strategy on different KM processes and organizational performance. However, it interestingly has a significant negative relationship with organizational creativity. KM processes have significant impact on organizational creativity and performance. Organizational creativity has also been identified as having a strong significant impact on organizational performance.Originality/value– This paper fills the knowledge gap by undertaking a study which has not been conducted before.
Development of fuzzy two-stage DEA model for competitive advantage based on RBV and strategic agility as a dynamic capability
Authors: Hemmati Maryam , Feiz Davood , Jalilvand Mohammad Reza , Kholghi Iman 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to develop a framework for competitive advantage by systematic quantitative methodology based on resource-based view and dynamic capability theory. Strategic agility was used as a dynamic capability.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected from a survey aimed at manufacturing companies from five manufacturing industry in Semnan, Iran. A total of 102 questionnaires were received from 13 companies using convenience sampling. Fuzzy two-stage data envelopment analysis model (DEA) was used to analyse the data collected.

Findings
– The results indicate that there is close internal relationship among firm resources, strategic agility and competitive advantage, and their inherent relationship makes constant returns to scale (CRS) scores closer to 1. In most of the companies, the second process which transforms strategic agility to competitive advantage is the main cause for unsatisfactory performance in gaining competitive advantage.

Originality/value
– The innovation of this paper is in its model and method. There is no research has been ever done on the relationship among firm resources, strategic agility and competitive advantage. Moreover, to obtain a competitive advantage structure, DEA technique was adopted which is a new approach in this area.