bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of service tradability on the choice of entry mode
Authors: Etemad-Sajadi Reza 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the choice of entry mode of computer-related (CR) service firms which are in a process of internationalization. The authors will focus on the characteristics of service defining its tradability.

Design/methodology/approach
– The objectives are achieved by first exploring the general drivers and the drivers specific to service firms via qualitative interviews and a literature review. Then, the model is tested empirically on CR service firms using structural equation modeling using partial least squares.

Findings
– Results show that the degree of tradability of the service influences the choice of entry mode. The higher the degree of tailor-made offer and face-to-face contact with the client, the more firms opt for an entry mode with high control, such as establishment abroad and/or joint-venture. Finally, firm size and international experience are also significant drivers behind the selection of entry mode.

Research limitations/implications
– As firms often choose several entry modes simultaneously, it is difficult to lead the research.

Practical implications
– In exports of digitalized and standardized services with little face-to-face contact, physical presence abroad is less important for success. It is more difficult to successfully market tailor-made services at the international level. Therefore, firms with limited capabilities should start exporting standardized services requiring limited face-to-face contact. Small firms wishing to become global players should preferably focus on exports of digitalized services and use internet, which is an attractive distribution channel. Moreover, when the confidentiality required for the service is an issue for the company, it is better to start with geographically near markets.

Originality/value
– In this research, service tradability came out as an original concept including service-specific characteristics leading to the selection of entry mode(s). The authors focussed on four characteristics of services which are on-line transmissibility, degree of confidentiality required, face-to-face contact, and finally the degree of customizability.
Update on fogo selvagem, an endemic form of pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Aoki Valeria , Rivitti Evandro A. , Diaz Luis A. ,   the Cooperative Group on Fogo Selvagem Research
Published: January 2015

AbstractPemphigus are organ‐specific autoimmune diseases, where autoantibodies (mainly immunoglobulin [Ig]G) directed against epidermal targets (glycoproteins of the desmosomal core) are detected. Endemic pemphigus foliaceus or fogo selvagem (FS) is one of the variants of pemphigus foliaceus pemphigus foliaceus that shares the same clinical and immunopathological features of the classic non‐endemic pemphigus foliaceus form, including pathogenic IgG (mainly IgG4) autoantibodies directed against the ectodomain of desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), that lead to acantholysis. Pathogenesis of FS is complex, involving genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1 alleles DRB1*0404, *1402, *1406 or *0102 have been previously identified as risk factors for FS (relative risk, >14). Individuals exposed to hematophagous insects are more susceptible to develop the disease. Non‐pathogenic anti‐Dsg1 antibodies of the IgG1 subclass, directed against the extracellular 5 domain of Dsg1, are detected in patients in the preclinical stage of the disease, and also in healthy controls living in endemic areas. In counterpart, patients with FS show pathogenic anti‐Dsg1 IgG4 autoantibodies that bind the pathogenic extracellular 1 and 2 domains of Dsg1, emphasizing the intramolecular epitope‐spreading hypothesis. A possible explanation for the development of the autoimmune process would be antigenic mimicry, initiated by environmental stimuli in those genetically predisposed individuals. Characterization of the pathogenesis of FS will allow the development of specific therapeutic targets, and the elucidation of other autoimmune processes.
Increased CD11b+ Gr‐1+ cell population in the placenta after infection with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Takeshima Kinuko , Sato Kazuki , Nabekura Tsukasa , Nagamune Kisaburo , Hamada Hiromi , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Shibuya Akira , Shibuya Kazuko 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan pathogen that can cross the placenta, resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis with severe fetal brain abnormalities. The molecular mechanisms of immune responses against T. gondii infection in the placenta have largely remained unclear. An analytical method for characterizing phenotypes of immune cells in the placenta by flow cytometry was established and it was found that numbers of CD11b+ Gr‐1+ cells in the placenta increased significantly after T. gondii infection. These results suggest that innate immune responses play an important role in immunity against T. gondii infection via the feto‐maternal interface.
Persistence of genetic variation in recolonized Tsuga canadensis (Eastern hemlock) populations following historic forest clearance
Authors: Lumibao Candice Y. , Gaskill Marissa , Flood Kelsey , McLachlan Jason S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe recovery of genetic variation in newly recolonized populations is an important concern in forest conservation genetics. We examined the potential recovery of genetic diversity and changes to genetic structure in populations of the wind‐pollinated species Tsuga canadensis that naturally regenerated following the extensive 19th century regional forest clearance for agriculture in west‐central Massachusetts. We genotyped 264 individuals across six microsatellite loci and compared levels and patterns of genetic variation between primary forests (forests that were logged but never cleared) and secondary forests (stands that were recolonized following agricultural abandonment). We found no significant reductions in genetic diversity in secondary forests (AR = 5.450; HS = 0.718) compared to primary forests (AR = 5.742; HS = 0.730). Moreover, the population genetic differentiation was also not significantly reduced in secondary compared to primary forests, with no significant genetic structure observed among all populations. These results suggest rapid genetic recovery of T. canadensis populations in recolonized forests compared with other late‐successional temperate tree species.
Simultaneous Analysis of Nε‐(Carboxymethyl)Lysine and Nε‐(Carboxyethyl)Lysine in Foods by Ultra‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry with Derivatization by 9‐Fluorenylmethyl Chloroformate
Authors: Zhou Yanqiong , Lin Qin , Jin Cheng , Cheng Lu , Zheng Xiaoyan , Dai Ming , Zhang Ying 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIsotope dilution ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry with derivatization by 9‐fluorenylmethyl chloroformate was successfully applied to quantify Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nε‐(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) in processed foods. We demonstrate that this analytical method is well validated for the determination of CML and CEL contents in processed foods. Relative standard deviations (RSD) indicate repeatability (RSD < 6% for CML and CEL) and reproducibility (RSD < 6% for CML and < 7% for CEL) in this method. Percent recovery is also good. We obtain recoveries of 102% to 112% for CML and 86% to 114% for CEL. CML levels detected in the samples vary from 2.29 to 480 mg/kg food, whereas CEL is detected in significantly lower concentrations ranging from 0.56 to 107 mg/kg food. These data could help consumers make better food choices by monitoring intake of advanced glycation end‐products, which may pose a risk to human health.
Generating realistic assemblages with a joint species distribution model
Authors: Harris David J. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Species distribution models (SDMs) represent important analytical and predictive tools for ecologists. Until now, these models have either assumed (i) that species' occurrence probabilities are uncorrelated or (ii) that species respond linearly to preselected environmental variables. These two assumptions currently prevent ecologists from modelling assemblages with realistic co‐occurrence and species richness properties.

This paper introduces a stochastic feedforward neural network, called ‘mistnet’, which makes neither assumption. Thus, unlike most SDMs, mistnet can account for non‐independent co‐occurrence patterns driven by unobserved environmental heterogeneity. And unlike several recently proposed joint SDMs, the model can also learn nonlinear functions relating species' occurrence probabilities to environmental predictors.

Mistnet makes more accurate predictions about the North American bird communities found along Breeding Bird Survey transects than several alternative methods tested. In particular, typical assemblages held out of sample for validation were each tens of thousands of times more likely under the mistnet model than under independent combinations of single‐species predictions.

Apart from improved accuracy, mistnet shows two other important benefits for ecological research and management. First: by analysing co‐occurrence data, mistnet can identify unmeasured – and perhaps unanticipated – environmental variables that drive species turnover. For example, the model identified a strong grassland/forest gradient, even though only temperature and precipitation were given as model inputs. Second: mistnet is able to take advantage of outside information to guide its predictions towards more realistic assemblages. For example, mistnet automatically adjusts its expectations to include more forest‐associated species in response to a stray observation of a forest‐dwelling warbler.
Estimating abundance of unmarked animal populations: accounting for imperfect detection and other sources of zero inflation
Authors: Dénes Francisco V. , Silveira Luís Fábio , Beissinger Steven R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryInference and estimates of abundance are critical for quantifying population dynamics and impacts of environmental change. Yet imperfect detection and other phenomena that cause zero inflation can induce estimation error and obscure ecological patterns.Recent statistical advances provide an increasingly diverse array of analytical approaches for estimating population size to address these phenomena.We examine how detection error and zero inflation in count data inform the choice of analytical method for estimating population size of unmarked individuals that are not uniquely identified. We review two established (GLMs and distance sampling) and nine emerging methods that useN‐mixture models (Royle–Nichols model, and basic, zero inflated, temporary emigration, beta‐binomial, generalized open‐population, spatially explicit, single visit and multispecies) to estimate abundance of unmarked populations, focusing on their requirements and how each method accounts for imperfect detection and zero inflation.Eight of the emerging methods can account for both imperfect detection and additional variation in population size in the forms of non‐occupancy, temporary emigration, correlated detection and population dynamics.Methods differ in sampling design requirements (e.g. count vs. detection/non‐detection data, single vs. multiple visits, covariate data), and their suitability for a particular study will depend on the characteristics of the study species, scale and objectives of the study, and financial and logistical considerations.Most emerging methods were developed over the past decade, so their efficacy is still under study, and additional statistical advances are likely to occur.
Clustering methods differ in their ability to detect patterns in ecological networks
Authors: Leger Jean‐Benoist , Daudin Jean‐Jacques , Vacher Corinne 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Network ecology has been an extraordinarily fertile field of research over the last 20 years. Its ultimate goal is to understand how the complex systems of interdependent species assemble, function and evolve. Here, we aimed to help ecologists to select the best methods for detecting subgroups of highly interacting species (usually referred to as compartments or modules) in bipartite networks (e.g. plant–pollinator networks, host–parasite networks), because these subgroups may reveal the processes underlying the assembly of the network and may influence its stability.

We simulated several thousand bipartite ecological networks and we compared seven methods of network clustering in terms of their ability to retrieve the number and the composition of species subgroups.

Among the seven methods compared, we found that the edge‐betweenness algorithm was the best option for binary networks. The stochastic block model was the best method for weighted networks. Modularity maximization, the most popular clustering method in ecology, was among the three best methods in both cases.

We thus provide ecology researchers with precise advice concerning the best choice of network clustering method, according to the type of data collected. We also provide the code for simulating bipartite networks and clustering them, in order to facilitate future methodological comparisons.
Intraosseous and intravenous administration of antibiotics yields comparable plasma concentrations during experimental septic shock
Authors: STRANDBERG G. , LARSSON A. , LIPCSEY M. , MICHALEK J. , ERIKSSON M. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate whether comparable antibiotic concentrations could be reached with intraosseous and intravenous administration during septic shock.MethodsIn this randomized, prospective experimental study conducted at an animal research laboratory at the University Hospital of Uppsala, eight anesthetized pigs, weighing 21.2 to 29.1 kg (mean: 25.2 ± 2.3 kg), received endotoxin infusion at 4 μg/kg/h for 6 h. At the onset of clinical shock, alternatively after 3 h of endotoxemia, they received 75 mg/kg of cefotaxime and 7 mg/kg of gentamicin either in a proximal tibial intraosseous catheter or in a peripheral intravenous catheter. Mixed venous samples were taken after 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min and analyzed for antibiotic concentrations.ResultsFor both antibiotics, plasma concentrations after intraosseous and intravenous administration followed similar curves throughout the observation period, and peak concentrations were comparable. Mean concentration area under the curve (AUC mg × h/l) for cefotaxime was 108.1 ± 19.5 after intraosseous and 116.5 ± 11.1 after intravenous administration; ratio 0.93, (95% CI 0.71–1.19). Mean AUC for gentamicin was 28.1 ± 6.8 for intraosseous and 32.2 ± 3.5 for intravenous administration; ratio 0.87 (95% CI 0.62–1.19).ConclusionsIn this porcine septic shock model, intraosseous and intravenous administration of gentamicin and cefotaxime yielded comparable concentrations. In an emergency, intraosseous administration of these antibiotics may be considered in severe infections when venous access is difficult.
Real‐time ventilation and perfusion distributions by electrical impedance tomography during one‐lung ventilation with capnothorax
Authors: REINIUS H. , BORGES J. B. , FREDÉN F. , JIDEUS L. , CAMARGO E. D. L. B. , AMATO M. B. P. , HEDENSTIERNA G. , LARSSON A. , LENNMYR F. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundCarbon dioxide insufflation into the pleural cavity, capnothorax, with one‐lung ventilation (OLV) may entail respiratory and hemodynamic impairments. We investigated the online physiological effects of OLV/capnothorax by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in a porcine model mimicking the clinical setting.MethodsFive anesthetized, muscle‐relaxed piglets were subjected to first right and then left capnothorax with an intra‐pleural pressure of 19 cm H2O. The contra‐lateral lung was mechanically ventilated with a double‐lumen tube at positive end‐expiratory pressure 5 and subsequently 10 cm H2O. Regional lung perfusion and ventilation were assessed by EIT. Hemodynamics, cerebral tissue oxygenation and lung gas exchange were also measured.ResultsDuring right‐sided capnothorax, mixed venous oxygen saturation (P = 0.018), as well as a tissue oxygenation index (P = 0.038) decreased. There was also an increase in central venous pressure (P = 0.006), and a decrease in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.045) and cardiac output (P = 0.017). During the left‐sided capnothorax, the hemodynamic impairment was less than during the right side. EIT revealed that during the first period of OLV/capnothorax, no or very minor ventilation on the right side could be seen (3 ± 3% vs. 97 ± 3%, right vs. left, P = 0.007), perfusion decreased in the non‐ventilated and increased in the ventilated lung (18 ± 2% vs. 82 ± 2%, right vs. left, P = 0.03). During the second OLV/capnothorax period, a similar distribution of perfusion was seen in the animals with successful separation (84 ± 4% vs. 16 ± 4%, right vs. left).ConclusionEIT detected in real‐time dynamic changes in pulmonary ventilation and perfusion distributions. OLV to the left lung with right‐sided capnothorax caused a decrease in cardiac output, arterial oxygenation and mixed venous saturation.
Is viscotrabeculotomy superior to conventional trabeculotomy in the management of Egyptian infants with congenital glaucoma?
Authors: ElSheikha Ola Z. , Abdelhakim Mohamad A. S. E. , Elhilali Hala M. , Kassem Rehab R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of viscotrabeculotomy in the management of congenital glaucoma as compared to conventional trabeculotomy, in Egyptian infants.MethodsThis is a prospective interventional randomized comparative study in which patients with primary congenital glaucoma were randomly allocated to either group A or B; viscotrabeculotomy (VT); and trabeculotomy (T), respectively. Patients were followed up regarding intra‐ocular pressure (IOP), cup/disc (C/D) ratio and horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) for 6 months. A probability value (p value) <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsTwenty‐one eyes in group A and 20 eyes in group B were enrolled in the study. The mean preoperative IOP was 23.5 and 24.3 mmHg in the VT and T groups, respectively. Postoperatively, IOP dropped at six months to 14.7 and 17 mmHg in the VT and T groups, respectively. That was significant in either group when compared to preoperative IOP, but not significant between both groups at the same point of comparison.ConclusionsBoth techniques were equally effective in the reduction in IOP in the management of congenital glaucoma, but viscotrabeculotomy did not appear to add more benefit to the surgical outcome than classic trabeculotomy.
Shb deficiency in endothelium but not in leucocytes is responsible for impaired vascular performance during hindlimb ischaemia
Authors: Nikpour M. , Gustafsson K. , Vågesjö E. , Seignez C. , Giraud A. , Phillipson M. , Welsh M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimMyeloid cells have been suggested to participate in angiogenesis and regulation of vascular function. Shb‐deficient mice display both vascular and myeloid cell abnormalities with possible consequences for recovery after hindlimb ischaemia. This study was conducted in order to assess the contribution of Shb deficiency in myeloid cells to impaired vascular function in ischaemia.MethodsWild type and Shb‐deficient mice were subjected to peritoneal vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) followed by intraperitoneal lavage, after which blood and peritoneal cells were stained for myeloid markers. VEGFA‐induced leucocyte recruitment to cremaster muscle was investigated using intravital microscopy of both mouse strains. Blood flow after femoral artery ligation was determined on chimeric mice after bone marrow transplantation.ResultsNo differences in neutrophil numbers or cell surface phenotypes were detected. Moreover, neutrophil extravasation in VEGFA‐activated cremaster muscle was unaffected by Shb deficiency. However, blood and peritoneal CXCR4+ monocytes/macrophages were reduced in response to intraperitoneal VEGFA but not lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence of Shb. Furthermore, the macrophage population in ischaemic muscle was unaffected by Shb deficiency after 2 days but reduced 7 days after injury. The bone marrow transplantation experiments revealed that mice with wild type vasculature showed better blood flow than those with Shb‐deficient vasculature irrespective of leucocyte genotype.ConclusionThe observed aberrations in myeloid cell properties in Shb‐deficient mice are likely consequences of an abnormal vascular compartment and are not responsible for reduced muscle blood flow. Structural vascular abnormalities seem to be the primary cause of poor vascular performance under provoked vascular stress in this genetic model.
Human organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2) mediates cellular uptake of all‐trans‐retinol in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells
Authors: Chan Ting , Zhu Ling , Madigan Michele C , Wang Ke , Shen Weiyong , Gillies Mark C , Zhou Fanfan 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeVision depends on retinoid exchange between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. Defects in any step of the canonical visual cycle can lead to retinal degenerations. All‐trans‐retinol (atROL) plays an important role in visual signal transduction. However, how atROL enters human RPE from the apical membrane remains unclear. This study investigated the role of human organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2) in atROL uptake in human RPE.Experimental ApproachImmunoblotting and immunostaining elucidated the expression and localization of OATP1A2 in human RPE. Transporter functional studies were conducted to assess the interaction of OATP1A2 with atROL.Key ResultsOur study revealed OATP1A2 is expressed in human RPE, mainly at the apical membrane. Our data also indicated atROL inhibited the uptake of the typical OATP1A2 substrate, oestrone‐3‐sulfate (E3S), in over‐expressing cells. Studies on the uptake of 3H‐atROL in these over‐expressing cells revealed atROL is a substrate of OATP1A2. We confirmed these findings in human primary RPE cells. The transport of E3S and atROL was significantly reduced in human primary RPE cells with OATP1A2 siRNA silencing.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data provides the first evidence of OATP1A2 expression in human RPE and more importantly, its novel role in the cellular uptake of atROL, which might be essential to the proper functioning of the canonical visual cycle. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in retinoid transport between the RPE and photoreceptors and provide novel insights into potential pharmaceutical interventions for visual cycle disruption associated with retinal degenerations.
Characteristics of myasthenia gravis with antibodies to muscle‐specific kinase and low‐density lipoprotein‐related receptor protein 4
Authors: Evoli Amelia , Iorio Raffaele 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by fatigable weakness of voluntary muscles caused by immunoglobulin G autoantibodies binding to post‐synaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction. Antibodies specific for the acetylcholine receptor are detected in the great majority (85%) of MG patients. Serum immunoglobulin G binding to the muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) are found in approximately 40% of anti‐acetylcholine receptor‐negative patients. Recently, the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4 (Lrp4), which is the MuSK co‐receptor for agrin, has been recognized as a new antigen in MG. Specific antibodies bind to the extracellular domains of MuSK and Lrp4 and, as experimental models have shown, interfere with the protein function. The present review describes the MuSK‐Lrp4 complex, and summarizes the effects of MuSK and Lrp4 antibodies at the neuromuscular junction. Furthermore, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, the response to therapy and the controversies in management of the specific diseases are discussed.