bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Trabeculectomy With Transconjunctival Application Versus Subconjunctival Application of Mitomycin C
Authors: Kwong Tsong Qiang , Mahroo Omar , Scoppettuolo Elisabetta , Ansari Ejaz 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To compare outcomes and complication rates of trabeculectomy with either transconjunctival mitomycin C (MMC) or subconjunctival MMC application.

Methods:
Retrospective cohort study—35 eyes in subconjunctival group and 29 eyes in transconjunctival group. All surgeries were performed by 1 surgeon (E.A.) at 1 center with an average follow-up duration of 40 to 51 months.

Results:
The mean percentage intraocular pressure reduction at final follow-up was with 44.4±25.3% reduction in the subconjunctival group compared with 48.0±24.6% reduction in the transconjunctival group, with no statistical significant difference between the 2 groups (P=0.57). Both groups also showed a >40% reduction in intraocular pressure in approximately 67% of eyes. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. There was 1 reported case of choroidal hemorrhage following subconjunctival application of MMC. There were similar low rates of postoperative bleb leakage and requirement for postoperative application of 5-fluorouracil. There was a greater incidence of hyphema in the subconjunctival group (5 vs. 1) as well as choroidal effusions (8 vs. 4). One patient underwent revision of trabeculectomy and this was in the subconjunctival group.

Conclusion:
Transconjunctival application of MMC offers a safe and effective method of performing trabeculectomy with adjunctive MMC with lower rates of complication than subconjunctival application.
Flow Test to Predict Early Hypotony and Hypertensive Phase After Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) Surgical Implantation
Authors: Cheng Jason , Beltran-Agullo Laura , Buys Yvonne M. , Moss Edward B. , Gonzalez Johanna , Trope Graham E. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To assess the validity of a preimplantation flow test to predict early hypotony [intraocular pressure (IOP)≤5 mm Hg on 2 consecutive visits and hypertensive phase (HP) (IOP>21 mm Hg) after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation.

Patients and Methods:
Prospective interventional study on patients receiving an AGV. A preimplantation flow test using a gravity-driven reservoir and an open manometer was performed on all AGVs. Opening pressure (OP) and closing pressure (CP) were defined as the pressure at which fluid was seen to flow or stop flowing through the AGV, respectively. OP and CP were measured twice per AGV. Patients were followed for 12 weeks.

Results:
In total, 20 eyes from 19 patients were enrolled. At 12 weeks the mean IOP decreased from 29.2±9.1 to 16.8±5.2 mm Hg (P<0.01). The mean AGV OP was 17.5±5.4 mm Hg and the mean CP was 6.7±2.3 mm Hg. Early (within 2 wk postoperative) HP occurred in 37% and hypotony in 16% of cases. An 18 mm Hg cutoff for the OP gave a sensitivity of 0.71, specificity of 0.83, positive predictive value of 0.71, and negative predictive value of 0.83 for predicting an early HP. A 7 mm Hg cutoff for the CP yielded a sensitivity of 1.0, specificity of 0.38, positive predictive value of 0.23, and negative predictive value of 1.0 for predicting hypotony.

Conclusions:
Preoperative OP and CP may predict early hypotony or HP and may be used as a guide as to which AGV valves to discard before implantation surgery.
Evaluation of Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Renal Artery Resistive Index in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Gökce Sabite E. , Deren Tagmaç , Köz Özlem Gürbüz , Yilmaz Pinar , Başkan Ceyda , Duman Rahmi , Yarangümeli Ahmet A. , Kural Gülcan 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To investigate the significance of renal artery resistance and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) parameters in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES).

Materials and Methods:
In this prospective case-control study, 37 patients were involved and grouped as PES (n=19) and control groups (n=18). Ophthalmological evaluation included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness measurement, and optic disc evaluation. In addition, renal artery resistive index and CIMT measurements were taken for all patients and compared between the groups.

Results:
The 2 groups were similar with respect to age, sex, and family history of glaucoma. The mean CIMT in the PES group was found to be significantly higher compared with the control group (0.73±0.02 vs. 0.59±0.06 mm, P=0.003). Renal artery resistive indices were found to be higher in the PES group than in the control group, however, the difference was not significant (P=0.46). A moderate positive correlation between CIMT and renal artery resistive indices was detected (r=0.447, P=0.01). However, a higher correlation rate was detected when the analysis was made in the PES group only (r=0.603, P=0.01).

Conclusions:
CIMT increases in PES patients and also the renal artery resistance index has a tendency to increase. Patients with PES should be informed about potential systemic consequences of this syndrome.
Is Low Positive JAK2 V617F Mutation Test Result Clinically Significant?: Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Lee Joong Won , Peker Deniz , Spitzer Silvia G. , Laser Jordan , Reddy Vishnu V.B. , Harada Shuko 
Published: September 2015

Objectives:
Acquired somatic mutation Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F is associated with various myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction has been widely adopted to detect mutation; however, the utility of low positive results is not well understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of low positivity of JAK2 V617F.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective analysis was performed for JAK2 V617F mutation tests performed using JAK2 MutaQuant kit (Ipsogen) in molecular laboratories at 2 major academic medical centers between 2010 and 2012. Cases with low positive JAK2 V617F, defined as 0.2% to 5% mutant allele, were documented. Chart review was performed for the clinical correlation.

Results:
A total of 1697 JAK2 V617F tests was performed. Forty-five cases (2.65%) yielded a low JAK2 V617F positivity (average 1.45%), the majority of which (n=26, 62%) had <1%. Eight cases had a history of MPN. The remaining cases were related to reactive conditions without a clonal disease. Our data indicate that a low positivity of JAK2 V617F can be seen in MPN as well as reactive conditions.

Conclusions:
An interpretation of JAK2 V617F status should not be performed simply following some arbitrary cutoff. Any low positivity of JAK2 V617F should be reported and a correlation with clinical information is warranted for proper interpretation.
Species range expansion constrains the ecological niches of resident butterflies
Authors: Audusseau Hélène , Vaillant Maryline Le , Janz Niklas , Nylin Sören , Karlsson Bengt , Schmucki Reto 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTAimChanges in community composition resulting from environmental changes modify biotic interactions and affect the distribution and density of local populations. Such changes are currently occurring in nettle-feeding butterflies in Sweden whereAraschnia levanahas recently expanded its range northward and is now likely to interact with the resident species (Aglais urticaeandAglais io). Butterfly occurrence data collected over years and across regions enabled us to investigate how a recent range expansion ofA. levanamay have affected the environmental niche of resident species.LocationWe focused on two regions of Sweden (Skåne and Norrström) whereA. levanahas and has not established, and two time-periods (2001-2006, 2009-2012) during its establishment in Skåne.MethodsWe performed two distinct analyses in each region using the PCA-env and the framework described in Broennimannet al. (2012). First, we described the main sources of variation in the environment. Second, in each time-period and region, we characterized the realized niches of our focal species across topographic and land use gradients. Third, we quantified overlaps and differences in realized niches between and within species over time.ResultsIn Skåne,A. levanahas stabilized its distribution over time while the distribution of the native species has shifted. These shifts depicted a consistent pattern of avoiding overlap between the native species and the environmental space occupied byA. levana, and it was stronger forA. urticaethan forA. io. In both regions, we also found evidence of niche partitioning between native species.Main conclusionsInterspecific interactions are likely to affect local species distributions. It appears that the ongoing establishment ofA. levanahas modified local biotic interactions, and induced shifts in resident species’ distributions. Among the mechanisms that can explain such patterns of niche partitioning, parasitoid-driven apparent competition may play an important role in this community.
Strategic marketing in times of recession versus growth: New Zealand manufacturers
Authors: Brooksbank Roger , Subhan Zahed , Garland Ronald , Rader Scott 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– On the basis of lessons gleaned from previous research into successful strategic marketing practices in times of both recession and growth, and in the face of an ongoing post-global financial crisis “hangover” characterised by unpredictable trading conditions both worldwide and in the Asia-Pacific region, the purpose of this paper is to provide insights and advice for marketing strategists within New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach
– The inquiry is based on two point-in-time mail surveys, one during recessionary conditions and the other during favourable economic conditions, with similar samples of 427 and 272 New Zealand manufacturers, respectively. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS and sought to compare and contrast successful strategic marketing decision making between the two time-points.

Findings
– The results confirm that, irrespective of prevailing economic circumstances, basic strategic marketing plays a pivotal role in facilitating the competitive success of New Zealand manufacturers. However, with the notable exception of three “evergreen” practices – targeting selected market segments, competing on the basis of value-to-the-customer, and finding new ways to do business – the results also suggest that different economic conditions otherwise necessitate quite different priorities for success at each stage of the strategic marketing decision-making process.

Research limitations/implications
– Due to relatively low-response rates, the extent to which the study samples are representative of the population under scrutiny remains unknown. Also, since an identical questionnaire was administered at two time-points ten years apart, differences in the respondents’ interpretation of certain questions and some of the marketing vocabulary and terminology used cannot be ruled out.

Practical implications
– The research highlights the important contribution that strategic marketing makes to the achievement of competitive success in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. It also identifies some of the underlying “key drivers” that best predict successful strategic marketing decision making in times of recession compared with growth, thereby indicating a number of key lessons for marketing strategists.

Originality/value
– This study addresses a number of gaps in the empirical marketing literature. Although many previous studies have shown various strategic marketing activities to be critical to competitive success, few have examined it as a multi-step decision-making process and none have done so in the context of New Zealand manufacturing. Nor have previous studies sought to compare and contrast effective strategic marketing decision-making set against the background of contrasting economic circumstances.
Strategic learning capability: through the lens of environmental jolts
Authors: Moon Hanna , Lee Chan 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to deepen the understanding of strategic learning through the lens of environmental jolts.Design/methodology/approach– Strategic learning is explained from the three paradigms of organizational learning.Findings– Organizational learning provides a firm foundation to develop and elaborate the concept of strategic learning that can help organizations gain competitive advantage and adaptive capability.Research limitations/implications– Alan Meyer’s environmental jolt model is meaningful in that it is derived from stimulus–response model, which still explains important aspects of strategic learning.Practical implications– Embedding a strategic learning capability will help organizations development fit with external environments.Originality/value– This paper enlightens strategic learning as a Model II learning at the system level from a stimulus-response mechanism and opens up new possibilities of incorporating higher-order capability.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mathematics bridge program using propensity scores
Authors: Lesik Sally A. , Santoro Karen G. , DePeau Edward A. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how to examine the effectiveness of a pilot summer bridge program for elementary algebra using propensity scores. Typically, selection into treatment programs, such as summer bridge programs, is based on self-selection. Self-selection makes it very difficult to estimate the true treatment effect because the selection process itself often introduces a source of bias.Design/methodology/approach– By using propensity scores, the authors can match students who participated in the summer bridge program with equivalent students who did not participate in the summer bridge program. By matching students in the treatment group to equivalent students who do not participate in the treatment, the authors can obtain an unbiased estimate of the treatment effect. The authors also describe a method to conduct a sensitivity analysis to estimate the amount of hidden bias generated from unobserved factors that would be needed to alter the inferences made from a propensity score matching analysis.Findings– Findings suggest there is no significant difference in the pass rates of the subsequent intermediate algebra course for students who participated in the summer bridge program when compared to matched students who did not participate in the summer bridge program. Thus, students who participate in the summer bridge program fared no better or worse when compared to similar students who do not participate in the program. These findings also appear to be robust to hidden bias.Originality/value– This study describes a unique way to estimate the causal effect of participating in a treatment program when there is self-selection into the treatment program.
Funding models for Open Access digital data repositories
Authors: Kitchin Rob , Collins Sandra , Frost Dermot 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine funding models for Open Access (OA) digital data repositories whose costs are not wholly core funded. Whilst such repositories are free to access, they are not without significant cost to build and maintain and the lack of both full core costs and a direct funding stream through payment-for-use poses a considerable financial challenge, placing their future and the digital collections they hold at risk.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors document 14 different potential funding streams for OA digital data repositories, grouped into six classes (institutional, philanthropy, research, audience, service, volunteer), drawing on the ongoing experiences of seeking a sustainable funding for the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI).

Findings
– There is no straight forward solution to funding OA digital data repositories that are not wholly core funded, with a number of general and specific challenges facing each repository, and each funding model having strengths and weaknesses. The proposed DRI solution is the adoption of a blended approach that seeks to ameliorate cyclical effects across funding streams by generating income from a number of sources rather than overly relying on a single one, though it is still reliant on significant state core funding to be viable.

Practical implications
– The detailing of potential funding streams offers practical financial solutions to other OA digital data repositories which are seeking a means to become financially sustainable in the absence of full core funding.

Originality/value
– The review assesses and provides concrete advice with respect to potential funding streams in order to help repository owners address the financing conundrum they face.
Thinking Through Dualisms in Urban Policy Mobilities
Authors: McCann Eugene , Ward Kevin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe growing use of the notion of ‘policy mobilities’ to conceptualize how policy is made and moved across and among cities and urbanized regions has led to worthwhile insights, but has also encouraged some critiques. Many of these address certain dualisms that seem to undergird the policy mobilities approach. This essay engages with three of these apparent dualisms—success/failure, presence/absence and mobilities/immobilities—and argues that while they must be treated with care, they should not be dismissed or expunged a priori. Rather, we argue that there is utility in conceptualizing urban policy mobilities through relational dyads, rather than oppositional dualisms. If studies of policy mobilities, urban or otherwise, are to maintain their momentum, success, failure, presence, absence, mobilities and immobilities should be understood as being intertwined, mutually constituting and reinforcing elements of policymaking.
s‐Ethyl Cysteine and s‐Methyl Cysteine Protect Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Injury
Authors: Hsia Te‐chun , Yin Mei‐chin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractProtective effects and actions from s‐ethyl cysteine (SEC) and s‐methyl cysteine (SMC) for BEAS‐2B cells were examined. BEAS‐2B cells were pretreated with SEC or SMC at 4, 8, or 16 μmol/L, and followed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. Data showed that H2O2 enhanced Bax, caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 expression, and declined Bcl‐2 expression. However, SEC or SMC dose‐dependently decreased caspase‐3 expression and reserved Bcl‐2 expression. H2O2 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lowered glutathione level, glutathione peroxide, and glutathione reductase activities in BEAS‐2B cells. SEC or SMC pretreatments reduced ROS generation, and maintained glutathione redox cycle in those cells. H2O2 upregulated the expression of both p47phox and gp91phox. SEC and SMC downregulated p47phox expression. SEC or SMC at 8 and 16 μmol/L decreased H2O2‐induced release of inflammatory cytokines. H2O2 stimulated the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase. SEC and SMC pretreatments dose‐dependently downregulated NF‐κB p65 and p‐p38 expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or SB203580 inhibited NF‐κB activation and p38 phosphorylation; thus, SEC or SMC pretreatments failed to affect protein expression of these factors. These novel findings suggest that SEC or SMC could protect bronchial cells and benefit respiratory epithelia stability and functions.
Experimental validation of in silico model‐predicted isocitrate dehydrogenase and phosphomannose isomerase from Dehalococcoides mccartyi
Authors: Islam M. Ahsanul , Tchigvintsev Anatoli , Yim Veronica , Savchenko Alexei , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Edwards Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryGene sequences annotated as proteins of unknown or non‐specific function and hypothetical proteins account for a large fraction of most genomes. In the strictly anaerobic and organohalide respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi, this lack of annotation plagues almost half the genome. Using a combination of bioinformatics analyses and genome‐wide metabolic modelling, new or more specific annotations were proposed for about 80 of these poorly annotated genes in previous investigations of D. mccartyi metabolism. Herein, we report the experimental validation of the proposed reannotations for two such genes (KB1_0495 and KB1_0553) from D. mccartyi strains in the KB‐1 community. KB1_0495 or DmIDH was originally annotated as an NAD+‐dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, but biochemical assays revealed its activity primarily with NADP+ as a cofactor. KB1_0553, also denoted as DmPMI, was originally annotated as a hypothetical protein/sugar isomerase domain protein. We previously proposed that it was a bifunctional phosphoglucose isomerase/phosphomannose isomerase, but only phosphomannose isomerase activity was identified and confirmed experimentally. Further bioinformatics analyses of these two protein sequences suggest their affiliation to potentially novel enzyme families within their respective larger enzyme super families.
Detection of functional polymorphisms influencing the promoter activity of the SAA2 gene and their association with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows
Authors: Yang S. , Li C. , Xie Y. , Cui X. , Li X. , Wei J. , Zhang Y. , Yu Y. , Wang Y. , Zhang S. , Zhang Q. , Sun D. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryOur previous RNA sequencing experiment showed that the serum amyloid A2 (SAA2) gene was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein and fat traits in dairy cattle. The SAA2 gene encodes an apolipoprotein related to high‐density lipoproteins. To further validate its genetic effects, genotype–phenotype associations were performed in this study. Through resequencing of the entire coding region and the 5’‐regulatory region of the SAA2 gene using pooled DNA of 12 unrelated sires, one novel 3‐bp insertion–deletion and five previously reported SNPs were detected. These identified SNPs were genotyped and tested for association with five milk production‐related traits in 717 Chinese Holstein cows. After Bonferroni correction for multiple t‐tests, five of them were found to be statistically significant for milk yield, fat yield and protein yield (P < 0.0001~0.0053). Haplotype‐based association analysis revealed a similar effect on fat yield and protein yield (P = 0.0005, P = 0.0032 respectively). Then, using luciferase report assay, the regulatory effect of the three SNPs located in the promoter region (c.‐22G>A; c.17G>C; c.114G>A) was evaluated on transcriptional activity. In HEK‐293 cell lines, we found that constructs GCG and AGG showed higher luciferase activity compared with GCA (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively). Meanwhile, the prediction of the putative differential transcription factor binding site revealed that c.17G>C and c.114G>A caused the alteration in the transcription factor. Overall, the findings presented here provide the first evidence for associations of the SAA2 gene with milk fat and protein traits, which appears to be a key candidate for milk production traits in dairy cattle.