bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creating artificial lymphoid tissues to study immunity and hematological malignancies
Authors: Shah Shivem B. , Singh Ankur 
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review
The specialized microenvironments of lymphoid tissue affect immune cell function and progression of disease. However, current animal models are low throughput and a large number of human diseases are difficult to model in animals. Animal models are less amenable to manipulation of tissue niche components, signalling pathways, epigenetics, and genome editing than ex vivo models. On the other hand, conventional 2D cultures lack the physiological relevance to study precise microenvironmental interactions. Thus, artificial tissues are being developed to study these interactions in the context of immune development, function, and disease.

Recent findings
New bone marrow and lymph node models have been created to, respectively, study microenvironmental interactions in hematopoiesis and germinal center-like biology. These models have also been extended to understand the effect of these interactions on the progression and therapeutic response in leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma.

Summary
3D in-vitro immune models have elucidated new cellular, biochemical, and biophysical interactions as potential regulatory mechanisms, therapeutic targets, or biomarkers that previously could not be studied in animal models and conventional 2D cultures. Incorporation of advanced biomaterials, microfluidics, genome editing, and single-cell analysis tools will enable further studies of function, driver mutations, and tumor heterogeneity. Continual refinement will help inform the development of antibody and cell-based immunotherapeutics and patient-specific treatment plans.
Marijuana Use and Self-reported Quality of Eyesight
Authors: Akano Obinna F. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Purpose
There is increasing use of marijuana among young adults and more states in the United States are legalizing medical marijuana use. A number of studies have revealed both the beneficial and harmful effects of marijuana to the human system. Despite some beneficial effects, studies have shown marijuana to have a lot of deleterious effects on the visual system, which subsequently reduces the quality of eyesight. The aim of this study was to investigate if heavy marijuana smoking is associated with a poor quality of eyesight compared with light/no use of marijuana.

Methods
The National Longitudinal Survey of Youths (NLSY79), a nationally representative sample of 12,686 young men and women surveyed in 1979 to 2010 was used for this study. The quality of eyesight of 1304 heavy marijuana users was compared with 1304 respondents with light or no marijuana use. The t test, multivariate and weighted logistic regression were used in the data analysis.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference in the self-reported quality of eyesight among heavy marijuana smokers compared with youths who never used marijuana or are light marijuana users. Among heavy marijuana smokers, males and high school graduates have decreased odds of reporting a poor quality of eyesight, whereas blacks have increased odds of reporting a poor quality of eyesight.

Conclusions
The self-reported quality of eyesight among marijuana users can aid clinicians and other health practitioners facilitate the development of sex-, racial/ethnic–, and educational level–informed prevention and early intervention programs and also help characterize public opinions regarding cannabis, which are particularly relevant given the ongoing debate concerning the medicalization and legalization of cannabis in the United States.
Can Ultrasound Imaging Predict the Success of an Experimental Steatofibrosis Model?
Authors: Turkay Rustu , Aydin Abdurrahman Fatih , Bingul Ilknur , Kucukgergin Canan , Dogan-Ekici Isin , Hocaoglu Elif , Inci Ercan , Bakir Baris , Uysal Mujdat 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Our goal was to evaluate the role of ultrasound (US) imaging in an experimental 2-hit steatofibrosis rat model. Nineteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: control group (n = 6) and high-fat diet carbontetrachloride (HFD-CCl4) group (n = 13) that was fed with HFD for 14 weeks. Ultrasound was performed to evaluate liver steatosis. The HFD-CCl4 group rats were divided further into 2 subgroups: HFD rats with liver steatosis [US (+) group; n = 6] and without steatosis [US (−) group; n = 7]. All rats in the subgroups were administered with CCl4. In both US (+) and US (−) subgroups, steatosis score, fibrosis score, triglyceride, and hydroxyproline contents were markedly higher compared with the control group. When compared with the US (−) group, triglyceride and hydroxyproline contents were significantly higher in the US (+) group, whereas steatosis and fibrosis scores were not different. Ultrasound imaging may be useful to assess the success of a 2-hit experimental steatofibrosis model.
A multiyear assessment of a hospital-school program to promote teen motor vehicle safety
Authors: Unni Purnima , Estrada Cristina M. , Chung Dai H. , Riley Emily B. , Worsley-Hynd Lesley , Stinson Neil 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDMotor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teen drivers. The main goal of this program was to reduce texting while driving among high school teens through a unique peer-generated anti-texting campaign.METHODSThe program consisted of two phases. In phase 1, student leaders participated in a half-day, hospital-based experiential program that emphasized safe teen driving. In phase 2, these students conceptualized and implemented an anti-texting while driving campaign during the school year. The program enrolled 32 schools with 137 student participants in phase 1. This study uses a prospective quasi-experimental pre-post design. A presurvey and a follow-up online survey were used. Response rate was 81%. In phase 2, two rounds of observations of drivers were made near the participating schools at the beginning and end of the phase 2 campaign. The results were analyzed using proportion tests.RESULTSThere was a strong belief (6.49 on a seven-point scale) that texting while driving could result in a crash. About 58% had texted while driving in the previous 7 days in the pre-survey. This proportion decreased significantly to 44% in the follow-up (p< 0.05). Knowledge of Tennessee Graduated Driver Licensing laws and feeling of empowerment to take action with a teen driver who was texting improved significantly (p< 0.05). In phase 2, 12,309 drivers (adults and teens) were observed in the first round, and 13,153 were observed in the second round of observations. Significant reduction in the proportion of drivers texting while driving (from 13% to 9%;p< 0.0001) was observed.CONCLUSIONResults of driver observations support the effectiveness of this program in meeting the key objective of reducing texting while driving. The program also influenced teenagers' willingness to take positive steps when faced with a driver who was texting. Future efforts should aim to influence social and peer norms.LEVEL OF EVIDENCETherapeutic study, level IV.
A Randomized Pilot Study Comparing Ketamine and Methohexital Anesthesia for Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Depression
Authors: Ray-Griffith Shona L. , Eads Lou Ann , Han Xiaotong , Golden Kimberly , Stowe Zachary N. 
Published: April 2017

Objective
This randomized controlled pilot study examines the differences in response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as defined by an improvement of depressive symptoms between ketamine and methohexital as the primary anesthetic agent. Adverse effects and cognitive tolerability were also examined.

Methods
Subjects undergoing ECT for unipolar or bipolar depression were randomized to receive ketamine or methohexital as the anesthetic agent. Primary outcome measure includes the Hamilton rating scale for depression (17-item). Secondary outcome measures included the mini-mental status examination and Beck depression inventory. All ratings were conducted masked to anesthetic agent. Because of multiple outcome measures obtained over time, mixed models were used to account for the correlations among the measurements within the subjects. Because outcomes were either normally distributed or approximately normally distributed, general linear mixed models were fit with a random intercept specified.

Results
A total of 21 subjects were enrolled, and 16 were randomized (methohexital, n = 8; ketamine, n = 8). The 2 treatment groups did not differ statistically in any demographic characteristic. No statistical difference was found between the ketamine and methohexital groups for an improvement in depressive symptoms (P = 0.6); however, subjects in both groups showed significant improvement in depression over time (ketamine, P < 0.0001; methohexital, P < 0.0001). Mini-mental status examination results did not differ between groups, and fatigue was reported more in subjects receiving ketamine (P = 0.03).

Conclusions
The results of this pilot study are inconclusive because they lack power to support an advantage of ketamine anesthesia compared with methohexital in ameliorating depressive symptoms for electroconvulsive therapy.
Giant axonal neuropathy alters the structure of keratin intermediate filaments in human hair
Authors: Soomro Asfia , Alsop Richard J. , Negishi Atsuko , Kreplak Laurent , Fudge Douglas , Kuczmarski Edward R. , Goldman Robert D. , Rheinstädter Maikel C. 
Published: April 2017

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) follows an autosomal recessive genetic inheritance and impedes the peripheral and central nervous system due to axonal swellings that are packed with neurofilaments. The patients display a number of phenotypes, including hypotonia, muscle weakness, decreased reflexes, ataxia, seizures, intellectual disability, pale skin and often curled hair. We used X-ray diffraction and tensile testing to determine potential changes to the structure of keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) in the hair of patients with GAN. A statistically significant decrease in the 47 and the 27 Å diffraction signals were observed. Tensile tests determined that the hair was slightly stiffer, stronger and more extensible in GAN patients. These results suggest that the structure of keratin IFs in hair is altered in GAN, and the findings are compatible with an increased positional disorder of the keratin tetramers within the hair fibres.
Defects of myelination are common pathophysiology in syndromic and idiopathic autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Phan BaDoi N. , Page Stephanie Cerceo , Campbell Morganne N. , Bohlen Joseph F. , Thaxton Courtney L. , Simon Jeremy M. , Burke Emily E. , Shin Joo Heon , Kennedy Andrew J. , Sweatt J. David , Philpot Benjamin D. , Jaffe Andrew E. , Maher Brady J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is genetically heterogeneous in nature with convergent symptomatology, suggesting dysregulation of common molecular pathways. We analyzed transcriptional changes in the brains of five independent mouse models of Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS), a syndromic ASD caused by autosomal dominant mutation in TCF4, and identified considerable overlap in differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene and cell-type enrichment analyses of these DEGs identified oligodendrocyte dysregulation that was subsequently validated by decreased protein levels. We further showed significant enrichment of myelination genes was prevalent in two additional mouse models of ASD (Ptenm3m4/m3m4, Mecp2KO). Moreover, we integrated syndromic ASD mouse model DEGs with ASD risk-gene sets (SFARI) and human idiopathic ASD postmortem brain RNA-seq and found significant enrichment of overlapping DEGs and common biological pathways associated with myelination and oligodendrocyte differentiation. These results from seven independent mouse models are validated in human brain, implicating disruptions in myelination is a common ASD pathophysiology.
Exploring meaning transfer in celebrity endorsements: measurement and validation
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Jain Varsha 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The “meaning transfer model (MTM)” is one of the less researched models in celebrity endorsement. The purpose of this paper is to empirically measure and validate a comprehensive model of meaning transfer in celebrity endorsements.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a conceptual model of meaning transfer that starts from celebrity identity as an antecedent of perceived celebrity meaning (CM), the study integrates CM, brand meaning (BM) and consumer behavior (CB) and two moderators leading to six studied hypotheses. The model is empirically tested using survey data (of 483 consumers) from India with the application of factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings
Major results indicate a positive effect of CM on BM and BM on subsequent CB. The moderating effect of consumer knowledge and product involvement in successful meaning transfer is also observed.

Research limitations/implications
Contribution of the present study lies in the validation of a comprehensive model of meaning transfer in celebrity endorsements that may pave the way to the explanation of previous confounding results.

Practical implications
The present study provided an actionable model for marketers that would lead to successful meaning transfer and the various factors that need to be controlled.

Originality/value
This is the first study to validate the MTM that integrates the basic tenets of celebrity endorsement theory.
Moderating role of productivity on diversified conglomerates and performance: the case of Malaysia
Authors: Gyan Alex Kwaku 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the previous mixed findings in the relationship between diversification and firm performance. Using international and industrial conglomerates, the paper introduces productivity as a moderating variable to ascertain whether the mixed views in the diversification-performance nexus is due to variations in productivity. The findings in both proxies of performance (qand return on asset (ROA)) show that productivity is not a significant moderator in the diversification-performance link, except that under industrial conglomerates productivity enhances ROAs significantly. Meanwhile, the results show that diversification either has no significant value on firm performance or relates negatively with performance – a contrasting result to the hypothesis of this study.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts diversification measurement, categorisation approach and the methodology used in the work of Fauveret al.(2004) and the subsequent modification by Leeet al.(2012). This study, however, investigates the moderating effect of productivity on diversified firms and not ownership as shown in the previous studies. Performance is measured by two proxies to show robustness of the study. ROA is an accounting tool and Tobin’sqreflects a market-based performance of the firm.FindingsThe results show that productivity has no moderating impact on a market-based performance of a diversified firm. Regarding ROA, results show a split in finding by showing that productivity has no significant impact on international diversification; however, for industrial diversification, results show significant impact.Originality/valueThe paper adds to knowledge of finance by ruling out the view that the inconsistencies in the diversification and performance nexus in emerging economies could be due to vagaries in productivity. It is confirmed that productivity technically does not strengthen the link between diversification and performance: suggesting that factors other than productivity could establish a maximal impact on that link to minimise the inconsistencies in the findings on diversification-performance link.
Benchmarking fuzzy logic and ANFIS approaches for leanness evaluation in an Indian SME
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Asokan P. , Vinodh S. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a study that is focused on application of fuzzy logic and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) approaches for leanness evaluation in an Indian small- and medium-size enterprise (SME).

Design/methodology/approach
Lean manufacturing concepts are being adopted by SMEs to sustain in the competitive manufacturing landscape. Performance of lean system needs to be assessed using appropriate methods. A model for measuring lean performance is proposed with five enablers, 30 criteria and 90 attributes. Leanness index is computed using fuzzy logic approach and benchmarked with ANFIS approach.

Findings
Leanness index computed using fuzzy logic approach is found to be (4.47, 5.97, 7.55) and that of ANFIS approach is found to be 5.84 to facilitate benchmarking of leanness evaluation. After finding weaker areas, certain improvement initiatives are being deployed.

Research limitations/implications
The developed model for leanness evaluation has been test implemented in an SME. In future, the model could be test implemented in several SMEs.

Practical implications
A case study conducted in an SME involved in heavy engineering fabrication is presented. Therefore, the inferences derived from the study has practical propensity.

Originality/value
The development of leanness evaluation model for SMEs and deployment in an industrial scenario are the original contributions of the authors.
Product benchmarking in the air cargo industry
Authors: lo Storto Corrado 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an objective decision-making framework and conduct a benchmarking study in the air cargo industry.

Design/methodology/approach
The decision-making framework and benchmarking methodology evaluates the aircraft value for money (VfM) as a benefit-to-cost ratio calculated adopting a measure of relative efficiency. This efficiency score is measured as a comprehensive efficiency index obtained by combining several efficiency scores calculated by implementing four data envelopment analysis (DEA) models.

Findings
The framework is used to carry on a benchmarking study in the air cargo industry on a sample of 27 airplanes. The average VfM is 67.04 percent, with measurements between 39.96 and 116.03 percent. Only three airplanes achieve full VfM and behave as benchmarks to the remaining airplanes. Boeing B727-200 is a broad player in the market. Some old cargo models (DC 9-30F) deliver the same amount of VfM as more recent aircraft models (i.e. MD-11F and A300-600F).

Research limitations/implications
The decision-making framework and benchmarking methodology can usefully support managers to make sound decisions and plans. Even though DEA generates attributes weights to different alternatives that are independent of the buyer preferences, the framework flexibility allows introducing a weighting scheme to take into account the managers preferences for certain aircraft performance/functional features. It can easily include new functional/performance measurements and adapt the VfM measurement to the particular economic context, strategy, and business model of the airlines, or be transferred to different industries.

Originality/value
The framework combines technical, functional performance, and economic cost measurements to get a unique efficiency index to evaluate the airplane VfM.
Conceptualizing trust with cultural perspective in international business operations
Authors: Ajmal Mian , Helo Petri , Kassem Rassel 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe growing international landscape of business has underlined the significance of multiculturalism and the novel challenges it brings to business implementation. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention of the readers toward how trust can be conceptualized and how trust-building process is affected in global business environments where more and more projects and businesses come into operation.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs intensive literature review to conceptualize trust and develop a model of culture effects for trust building in global business environment. However, this study is presently explanatory in nature because no empirical evidence is provided.FindingsCulture is a significant factor in building trust among global project stakeholders for the reason that trust is vital for developing a well-functioning long-term business relationship. The study highlighted that cultural differences among project teams can cause conflict, misunderstanding, and poor project performance.Research limitations/implicationsFuture empirical research should investigate various scenarios, types of projects, cultures, and countries. Cultural issues are pretty sensitive, which have immediate association with trust-building process among international project stakeholders. Diminutive systematic research has been done on the cultural effects for trust building in international business context. The probe of how culture affects trust building efforts in global business environments remains unrequited.Originality/valueThis study adds value by creating awareness in the research community for undertaking a detailed and comprehensive research on this topic, and because of its originality, it serves as a foundation for future studies.
Multi-criterion and multi-period performance benchmarking of products and services
Authors: Bi Henry H. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
A product or service usually has multiple measurable characteristics, and its performance on different measures may vary and may change over time. Multi-criterion and multi-period performance benchmarking presents a challenge for management to determine performance gaps among comparable products or services. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new performance benchmarking method to address this challenge.

Design/methodology/approach
The author develop this method by formulating two benchmarking functions: a differentiation function based on Shewhart average and standard deviation charts to distinguish the performance of products or services on a single measure, and a categorization function to classify each product’s or service’s overall performance across all measures. By systematically removing the lowest-performing products or services from comparison, the author use these functions iteratively to detect performance gaps.

Findings
Using this method, the author find performance gaps in each of three benchmarking applications of airports, hotels, and minivans, although a number of performance gaps are not obvious from the raw data.

Research limitations/implications
This benchmarking study focuses on the quantifiable outcome performance of products and services.

Practical implications
This benchmarking method is generic and applicable to most products and services. It is robust not only for discovering performance gaps, but also for providing useful insights for managers to prioritize improvement efforts on individual performance measures.

Originality/value
The novelty of this benchmarking method lies in that it can not only find the “best overall” products or services for all performance measures, but can also pinpoint the “best-in-class” products or services as well as performance gaps for each performance measure. In addition, this paper presents several original ideas for performance benchmarking, including: using the control limits of Shewhart control charts to categorize performance gaps, systematically removing the lowest-performing products or services from comparison for the purpose of detecting hidden performance gaps, and using symbolic expressions to integrate benchmarking results from all measures and to show all performance gaps intuitively.