bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Input from the medial geniculate nucleus modulates amygdala encoding of fear memory discrimination
Authors: Ferrara Nicole C. , Cullen Patrick K. , Pullins Shane P. , Rotondo Elena K. , Helmstetter Fred J.
Published: August 2017

Generalization of fear can involve abnormal responding to cues that signal safety and is common in people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Differential auditory fear conditioning can be used as a tool to measure changes in fear discrimination and generalization. Most prior work in this area has focused on elevated amygdala activity as a critical component underlying generalization. The amygdala receives input from auditory cortex as well as the medial geniculate nucleus (MgN) of the thalamus, and these synapses undergo plastic changes in response to fear conditioning and are major contributors to the formation of memory related to both safe and threatening cues. The requirement for MgN protein synthesis during auditory discrimination and generalization, as well as the role of MgN plasticity in amygdala encoding of discrimination or generalization, have not been directly tested. GluR1 and GluR2 containing AMPA receptors are found at synapses throughout the amygdala and their expression is persistently up-regulated after learning. Some of these receptors are postsynaptic to terminals from MgN neurons. We found that protein synthesis-dependent plasticity in MgN is necessary for elevated freezing to both aversive and safe auditory cues, and that this is accompanied by changes in the expressions of AMPA receptor and synaptic scaffolding proteins (e.g., SHANK) at amygdala synapses. This work contributes to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying increased fear to safety signals after stress.
Novelty and fear conditioning induced gene expression in high and low states of anxiety
Authors: Donley Melanie P. , Rosen Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2017

Emotional states influence how stimuli are interpreted. High anxiety states in humans lead to more negative, threatening interpretations of novel information, typically accompanied by activation of the amygdala. We developed a handling protocol that induces long-lasting high and low anxiety-like states in rats to explore the role of state anxiety on brain activation during exposure to a novel environment and fear conditioning. In situ hybridization of the inducible transcription factor Egr-1 found increased gene expression in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) following exposure to a novel environment and contextual fear conditioning in high anxiety-like rats. In contrast, low state anxiety-like rats did not generate Egr-1 increases in LA when placed in a novel chamber. Egr-1 expression was also examined in the dorsal hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In CA1 of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), Egr-1 expression increased in response to novel context exposure and fear conditioning, independent of state anxiety level. Furthermore, in mPFC, Egr-1 in low anxiety-like rats was increased more with fear conditioning than novel exposure. The current series of experiments show that brain areas involved in fear and anxiety-like states do not respond uniformly to novelty during high and low states of anxiety.
On the transition from reconsolidation to extinction of contextual fear memories
Authors: Cassini Lindsey F. , Flavell Charlotte R. , Amaral Olavo B. , Lee Jonathan L.C.
Published: August 2017

Retrieval of an associative memory can lead to different phenomena. Brief reexposure sessions tend to trigger reconsolidation, whereas more extended ones trigger extinction. In appetitive and fear cued Pavlovian memories, an intermediate “null point” period has been observed where neither process seems to be engaged. Here we investigated whether this phenomenon extends to contextual fear memory. Adult rats were subjected to a contextual fear conditioning paradigm, reexposed to the context 2 d later for 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 min, with immediate injections of MK-801 or saline following reexposure, and tested on the following day. We observed a significant effect of MK-801 with the 3- and 30-min sessions, impairing reconsolidation and extinction, respectively. However, it did not have significant effects with 5-, 10-, or 20-min sessions, even though freezing decreased from reexposure to test. Further analyses indicated that this is not likely to be due to a variable transition point at the population level. In conclusion, the results show that in contextual fear memories there is a genuine “null point” between the parameters that induce reconsolidation and extinction, as defined by the effects of MK-801, although NMDA receptor-independent decreases in freezing can still occur in these conditions.
Market reaction to open innovation announcements
Authors: Szutowski Dawid
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Open innovation is of crucial importance for all companies operating in the economics of widely distributed knowledge. However, the effects of its disclosure remain largely uncharted in the case of service companies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of open innovation announcements on the market value (MV) of service enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The research covered 398 open innovation announcements released by service companies. It was conducted in the whole of the European Union in the period February 2011-December 2016. The data were analysed in the short and long term with the use of event-study and buy-and-hold methods.

Findings

The results indicated the significant positive effect of open innovation disclosure in both short and long term. At the same time, the market was not able to immediately fully value the information in the short run and tended to overestimate the positive effect of the innovation announced. No significant leakage and dissemination effects were observed prior to the announcement. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of positive and negative reactions to the releases.

Practical implications

From the point of view of business practice the research proved the benefits of information disclosure and supported the long-term planning. From the investors’ viewpoint, it signalled the small risk of significant fluctuations resulting from aggressive trading prior to the announcement and unwinding part of the acquired position afterwards.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to fulfil the research gap on the impact of the announcements on open innovation on the MV of companies.
Role of experience and knowledge in early internationalisation of Indian new ventures
Authors: Arte Pratik
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by knowledge and experience of the entrepreneurs in early internationalisation of small- and medium-sized Indian new ventures. Using the theory of international new ventures (INV) and knowledge-based view (KBV); the conceptual framework of this study develops three propositions. First, it has been suggested that experience of the entrepreneurs motivates them to internationalise. Second, experience of the entrepreneurs increases their market and technological knowledge. Finally, it has been suggested that without market and technological knowledge, new ventures find it difficult to expand beyond national borders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a comparative case analysis research design to investigate the propositions. The key constructs are drawn from prior empirical research and the relationships are tested using qualitative analysis.

Findings

Key findings of this study suggest that along with experience and knowledge, entrepreneurs’ education background is positively associated with new venture internationalisation. It was found that importance of knowledge resources varies across nature of business and industry in which INVs operate.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study contribute to advancing the literature on INV and KBV. The findings provide a framework to entrepreneurs to help them improve their decision-making logic and increase the speed of international growth.

Originality/value

Very few studies have investigated the internationalisation of new ventures from India. The knowledge is limited on the ways in which entrepreneurs acquire experience and assimilate knowledge in internationalising their operations.
Effect of links deformation on motion precision of parallel manipulator based on flexible dynamics
Authors: Zhu Chunxia , Katupitiya Jay , Wang Jing
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Manipulator motion accuracy is a fundamental requirement for precision manufacturing equipment. Light weight manipulators in high speed motions are vulnerable to deformations. The purpose of this work is to analyze the effect of link deformation on the motion precision of parallel manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach

The flexible dynamics model of the links is first established by applying the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the assumed modal method. The rigid-flexible coupling equations of the parallel mechanism are further derived by using the Lagrange multiplier approach. The elastic energy resulting from spiral motion and link deformations are computed and analyzed. Motion errors of the 3-link torque-prismatic-torque parallel manipulator are then evaluated based on its inverse kinematics. The validation experiments are also conducted to verify the numerical results.

Findings

The lateral deformation and axial deformation are largest at the middle of the driven links. The axial deformation at the middle of the driven link is approximately one-tenth of the transversal deformation. However, the elastic potential energy of the transversal deformation is much smaller than the elastic force generated from axial deformation.

Practical implications

Knowledge on the relationship between link deformation and motion precision is useful in the design of parallel manipulators for high performing dynamic responses.

Originality/value

This work establishes the relationship between motion precision and the amount of link deformation in parallel manipulators.
Is Egyptian corporate financial reporting becoming more conservative?
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed H. , Hussainey Khaled
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The study aims to compare the level of accounting conservatism amongst the sample companies prior to the 2011 uprising and after that uprising. The study proceeds further to examine the association between accounting conservatism and the level of leverage and profitability of the sample companies covering the same period.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a review of the extant literature on accounting conservatism is undertaken. Second, the sample comprises all the non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange. Accounting conservatism is measured using the market-to-book (MTB) ratio, which is one of the most widely used proxies for determining the extent of accounting conservatism in prior literature. The two-sample t-test has been used to compare the level of accounting conservatism six years prior to the 2011 uprising and four years following that uprising. Univariate and multivariate analyses have been used to examine the association between some firm characteristics and the level of accounting conservatism amongst the sample companies at the two investigated periods.

Findings

The evidence implies that the sample companies are actually engaging in less-conservative accounting policies following the uprising. The results also reveal that data for the first period seems to have greater variations in the first period than in the second period, as can be seen from the values of the standard deviation. The multivariate analysis reported a significant positive relationship between only size and the level of accounting conservatism at both periods.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds Egyptian evidence with respect to the directions of accounting conservatism throughout crisis periods, as the majority of prior studies focus on countries with developed capital markets. In addition, the absence of any specific evidence concerning the direction of accounting conservatism during crisis periods will lead to naïve investors misinterpreting earnings figures and not realising the actual value of their shares.

Practical implications

The results reported in this study may encourage those investors to seek out extensive, widely-sourced information regarding investee firms before deciding whether to hold or sell their holdings. Furthermore, the results presented in this paper should therefore be of interest to regulators and standard-setters charged with developing accounting standards to improve the quality of accounting information.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first and most recent study that examines the level of accounting conservatism amongst non-financial companies in a developing country like Egypt.
Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: A need for a more rigorous nomenclature for histopathological variants of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Alegría‐Landa Victoria , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco Jose , Aneiros‐Fernandez Jose , Requena Luis
Published: August 2017

Over the years, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that mimicked vascular lesions have been encompassed within different classifications and the underlying etiopathogenic mechanisms have been interpreted in different ways by different authors. Here, we present a case of SCC with pseudovascular areas in the right leg of a 96‐year‐old woman with chronic venous insufficiency. Histopathological examination closely resembled an angiosarcoma, but the immunohistochemical negativity for endothelial markers and the strong positivity for the pancytokeratin marker AE1/AE3 revealed the epithelial nature of the neoplasm. After a comprehensive review of all similar previously published cases, we believe that it is necessary to separate SCC with pseudoluminal structures composed of glandular‐like areas (pseudoglandular or adenoid SCC) from those mimicking vascular lumina (pseudovascular and pseudoangiosarcomatous SCC). We would like to emphasize that acantholytic SCC, a definitive variant of SCC, can be further classified into the common or ordinary subtype of acantholytic SCC, that shows solid nests containing numerous acantholytic atypical keratinocytes without any mimickers for specific structures, and pseudoglandular, pseudovascular and pseudoangiosarcomatous subtypes when glandular or vascular structures are mimicked, respectively.
Pharmacological modulation of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 influences development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Nassoiy Sean P , Babu Favin S , LaPorte Heather M , Majetschak Matthias
Published: August 2017

Activation of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been reported to result in lung protective effects in various experimental models. The effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after lung injury, however, are unknown. Thus, we studied whether blockade and activation of CXCR4 influences development of ARDS in a unilateral lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury rat model. Anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated animals underwent right lung ischaemia (series 1, 30 minutes; series 2, 60 minutes) followed by reperfusion for 300 minutes. In series 1, animals were treated with vehicle or 0.7 μmol/kg of AMD3100 (CXCR4 antagonist) and in series 2 with vehicle, 0.7 or 3.5 μmol/kg ubiquitin (non‐cognate CXCR4 agonist) within 5 minutes of reperfusion. AMD3100 significantly reduced PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted mild ARDS with vehicle treatment into moderate ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio<200) and increased histological lung injury. Ubiquitin dose‐dependently increased PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted moderate‐to‐severe into mild‐to‐moderate ARDS and reduced protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Measurements of cytokine levels (TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐10) in lung homogenates and BALF showed that AMD3100 reduced IL‐10 levels in homogenates from post‐ischaemic lungs, whereas ubiquitin dose‐dependently increased IL‐10 levels in BALF from post‐ischaemic lungs. Our findings establish a cause‐effect relationship for the effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of ARDS after lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury. These data further suggest CXCR4 as a new drug target to reduce the incidence and attenuate the severity of ARDS after lung injury.
Effect of ‘in situ’ produced bacteriocin thermophilin T on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of Myzithra whey cheese
Authors: Kaminarides Stelios , Aktypis Anastasios , Koronios George , Massouras Theophilos , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: August 2017

Myzithra whey cheese was made by the addition of ovine milk (10%) to whey, previously fermented by the bacteriocinogenic strain Streptococcus thermophilus ACA‐DC 0040, resulting in production of a bacteriocin (thermophilin T) titre at a concentration 40 960 ± 2560 AU/mL. The final antimicrobial activity in the ready‐to‐eat cheese was sufficient to inhibit the growth of coliforms and restrict the growth of bacteria of the Micrococcus group, thus contributing to and increased shelf life and the safety of cheese. A lower lactose content was observed in the cheese, which would lead to better acceptance by lactase‐deficient consumers. Moreover, the sensory characteristics of the cheese remained unchanged during the whole cold storage period, ensuring an extended shelf life.
Modeling Watershed‐Scale Impacts of Stormwater Management with Traditional versus Low Impact Development Design
Authors: Sparkman Stephanie A. , Hogan Dianna M. , Hopkins Kristina G. , Loperfido J.V.
Published: August 2017

Stormwater runoff and associated pollutants from urban areas in the greater Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CBW) impair local streams and downstream ecosystems, despite urbanized land comprising only 7% of the CBW area. More recently, stormwater best management practices (BMPs) have been implemented in a low impact development (LID) manner to treat stormwater runoff closer to its source. This approach included the development of a novel BMP model to compare traditional and LID design, pioneering the use of comprehensively digitized storm sewer infrastructure and BMP design connectivity with spatial patterns in a geographic information system at the watershed scale. The goal was to compare total watershed pollutant removal efficiency in two study watersheds with differing spatial patterns of BMP design (traditional and LID), by quantifying the improved water quality benefit of LID BMP design. An estimate of uncertainty was included in the modeling framework by using ranges for BMP pollutant removal efficiencies that were based on the literature. Our model, using Monte Carlo analysis, predicted that the LID watershed removed approximately 78 kg more nitrogen, 3 kg more phosphorus, and 1,592 kg more sediment per square kilometer as compared with the traditional watershed on an annual basis. Our research provides planners a valuable model to prioritize watersheds for BMP design based on model results or in optimizing BMP selection.
Water Footprint of 65 Mid‐ to Large‐Sized U.S. Cities and Their Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Ahams Ikechukwu C. , Paterson Willa , Garcia Susana , Rushforth Richard , Ruddell Benjamin L. , Mejia Alfonso
Published: August 2017

Conventional indicators of water use for urban areas account primarily for direct water use. In contrast, our objective here is to employ the water footprint (WF) concept and methodology to include the virtual or indirect water use to assess the production‐side and consumption‐side WF of 65 United States (U.S.) cities. The 65 cities include the largest metropolitan areas and some of the major mid‐sized cities in the U.S. We use metropolitan areas to define our city boundaries as this is the native spatial resolution of the main datasets used. To estimate the urban WFs, we integrated large and disparate datasets, including commodity flow (agricultural, livestock, and industrial commodities), water use, and socioeconomic data. By analyzing the estimated WF values, we found indirect water use accounts on average for 66% of the WF of consumption. We found some cities are net virtual water exporters (11 of 65) because they rely heavily on direct water uses or are heavy producers of industrial commodities. Also, WF patterns vary widely across the U.S. but regional patterns seem to emerge. For example, the dense cities of the U.S. northeast megaregion have a significantly low per capita WF relative to the other cities, while cities in the Gulf Coast megaregion have a significantly higher industrial WF of production and consumption. Furthermore, there is inequality in the WF of consumption where a few cities account for a disproportionate share of the total U.S. urban water uses.
Serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a mini review for surgeons
Authors: Goh Su Kah , Gold Grace , Christophi Christopher , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan
Published: August 2017

The optimal management of oncological conditions is reflected by the careful interpretation of investigations for screening, diagnosis, staging, prognostication and surveillance. Serum tumour markers are examples of commonly requested tests in conjunction with other imaging and endoscopic tests that are used to help clinicians to stratify therapeutic decisions. Serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is a key biomarker for pancreatic cancers. Although this biomarker is considered clinically useful and informative, clinicians are often challenged by the accurate interpretation of elevated serum CA19‐9 levels. Recognizing the pitfalls of normal and abnormal serum CA19‐9 concentrations will facilitate its appropriate use. In this review, we appraised the biomarker, serum CA19‐9, and highlighted the clinical utility and limitations of serum CA19‐9 in the investigation and management of pancreatic cancers.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for complex bile duct stones
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Fabiao , Du Xuefeng , Wang Aidong , Lv Shangdong , Fang Zheping
Published: August 2017

Background

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for removing intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones.

Methods

A total of 26 patients with intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones underwent LH and EPBD. Selective hemi‐hepatic vascular occlusion was used to complete the LH. EPBD was performed under the guidance of a guidewire, and stones were removed with a stone basket or balloon.

Results

A one‐stage LH with EPBD lithotomy was successfully performed in 26 cases. No residual bile duct stones, intestinal or bile duct perforations were found. In addition, no severe post‐operative bleeding, severe pancreatitis or mortality occurred. Post‐operative hyperamylasemia was observed in five cases and bile leakage in one case. Post‐operative hospital stays lasted 7–11 days.

Conclusion

LH combined with EPBD applied to intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones was feasible, effective and safe, resulting in rapid recovery and few post‐operative complications.
Development of a proficiency‐based virtual reality simulation training curriculum for laparoscopic appendicectomy
Authors: Sirimanna Pramudith , Gladman Marc A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Proficiency‐based virtual reality (VR) training curricula improve intraoperative performance, but have not been developed for laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). This study aimed to develop an evidence‐based training curriculum for LA.

Methods

A total of 10 experienced (>50 LAs), eight intermediate (10–30 LAs) and 20 inexperienced (<10 LAs) operators performed guided and unguided LA tasks on a high‐fidelity VR simulator using internationally relevant techniques. The ability to differentiate levels of experience (construct validity) was measured using simulator‐derived metrics. Learning curves were analysed. Proficiency benchmarks were defined by the performance of the experienced group. Intermediate and experienced participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate the realism (face validity) and relevance (content validity).

Results

Of 18 surgeons, 16 (89%) considered the VR model to be visually realistic and 17 (95%) believed that it was representative of actual practice. All ‘guided’ modules demonstrated construct validity (P < 0.05), with learning curves that plateaued between sessions 6 and 9 (P < 0.01). When comparing inexperienced to intermediates to experienced, the ‘unguided’ LA module demonstrated construct validity for economy of motion (5.00 versus 7.17 versus 7.84, respectively; P < 0.01) and task time (864.5 s versus 477.2 s versus 352.1 s, respectively, P < 0.01). Construct validity was also confirmed for number of movements, path length and idle time. Validated modules were used for curriculum construction, with proficiency benchmarks used as performance goals.

Conclusion

A VR LA model was realistic and representative of actual practice and was validated as a training and assessment tool. Consequently, the first evidence‐based internationally applicable training curriculum for LA was constructed, which facilitates skill acquisition to proficiency.
Prospective comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in colorectal cancer staging
Authors: Koh Frederick H. X. , Tan Ker‐Kan , Teo Lynette L. S. , Ang Bertrand W. L. , Thian Yee‐Liang
Published: August 2017

Background

Diffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging is a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that detects lesions with high cellularity, such as malignant tumours. This prospective study was performed to compare the accuracy of DW‐MRI with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in staging of colorectal cancer.

Methods

Thirty patients with histologically proven colorectal cancer were prospectively recruited. Each patient underwent both MDCT and DW‐MRI of the abdomen–pelvis for primary staging. Images were evaluated for nodal and distant metastases. The reference standard was histopathological findings for nodal involvement and surveillance imaging for suspected hepatic metastases.

Results

The primary cancers were located in the rectum (n = 16, 53.3%), sigmoid colon (n = 9, 30%) and right colon (n = 5, 16.6%). For nodal metastases, the sensitivity and specificity of DW‐MRI were 84.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 54.6–98.1%) and 20.0% (95% CI: 2.5–55.6%) compared with 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6–98.1%) and 40.0% (95% CI: 12.2–73.8%) for MDCT. For liver metastases, the sensitivity and specificity for DW‐MRI were 100.0% (95% CI: 63.1–100.0%) and 100% (95% CI: 84.6–100%) compared with 87.5% (95% CI: 47.4–99.7%) and 95.5% (95% CI: 77.2–99.9%) for MDCT. DW imaging altered the clinical management in three (10.0%) patients by detecting missed hepatic metastases in two patients and accurately diagnosing another patient with a hepatic cyst, mistaken for metastasis on MDCT.

Conclusion

DW‐MRI is more accurate for detecting hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer compared with MDCT.
Colonoscopic surveillance: quality, guidelines and effectiveness
Authors: Chittleborough Timothy J. , Kong Joseph C. , Guerra Glen R. , Ramsay Robert , Heriot Alexander G.
Published: August 2017

Colonoscopic surveillance in patients with a personal or family history of colorectal carcinoma or colonic polyps represents a significant workload for endoscopy services. Effective colonoscopic surveillance relies on quality endoscopic examination and appropriate surveillance interval. This review will discuss quality in colonoscopy and review guidelines for surveillance.
Adapt and strive: How ventures under resource constraints create value through business model adaptations
Authors: Dopfer Martina , Fallahi Sara , Kirchberger Markus , Gassmann Oliver
Published: August 2017

This paper looks into how new ventures organize their business models in order to meet their available resources. It employs the business model as the unit of analysis to investigate the role and nature of business model adaptation as a coping mechanism with resource constraints. By drawing on a case study with two ventures starting with different resources, the paper shows how those ventures use business model adaptation under resource constraints as a way to create comparable offerings. Business model adaptation involves a process of continuous search, selection, and improvement in value creation, value proposition, and value capture, based on the surrounding environment. For the two new ventures included in this study, early business model adaptations were related to (1) market — geography and customer, (2) strategy — marketing, sales, and growth, (3) profit — profit formula and cost structure, and (4) structures, processes, and capabilities. This paper also shows how the adaptation process is conditioned by the venture's stock and flow of resources. Bringing a resource perspective into the process of business model adaptation implies practical implications for new ventures that are developing and adapting their business models to strategically co‐develop their offering with their resources such that they match required adaptations.
Digital entrepreneurship: Innovative business models for the sharing economy
Authors: Richter Chris , Kraus Sascha , Brem Alexander , Durst Susanne , Giselbrecht Clemens
Published: August 2017

What's mine is yours. An increasing number of people are participating in sharing and exchanging information, knowledge, data and goods. As research addressing the so‐called ‘sharing economy’ is still in its infancy, this article aims to shed light on it. To do this, a qualitative research approach comprising guided interviews with 14 companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland provides detailed insights into different aspects of the sharing economy phenomenon. Our results make a direct contribution to sharing economy research, especially regarding the new business models of start‐ups. Here, we find a clear difference between the relevance of economic and social orientation. The latter appears to be in higher demand among customers than entrepreneurs. The increasingly digitalized environment has led to a changed living situation characterized by urbanity, openness to new solutions, changed working situations and new mindsets. All of these aspects drive the sharing economy. The results of this paper are summarized in a framework highlighting the requirements, drivers and goals of the sharing economy. Considering the limited research in this field, the developed framework is a strong basis for discussion, critique and/or support of future research.
Solasodine inhibits human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhuang Yu‐wen , Wu Cun‐en , Zhou Jin‐yong , Chen Xu , Wu Jian , Jiang Shan , Peng Hai‐yan , Zou Xi , Liu Jia‐yun , Wu Da‐peng , Gong Tao , Qi Ming‐hao , Xue Tian , Liu Shen‐lin , Cai Hui
Published: August 2017

Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L. that performs a wide range of functions containing anti‐oxidant, anti‐infection, and neurogenesis promotion. In this study, we explored the influence of solasodine on three types of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The results show that solasodine prohibited CRC cell proliferation dose‐ and time‐dependently and impeded CRC cell motility by downregulating MMPs. Solasodine was also found to fuel caspase‐cascade reaction and increase the ratio between Bax and Bcl‐2 so as to induce CRC cell apoptosis. When cells were pretreated with AKT activator (insulin‐like growth factor‐1) followed by solasodine, the solasodine‐induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Moreover, solasodine hindered tumor development and stimulated similar mechanisms in vivo. In general, our study provides the first evidence that solasodine has a suppressive effect on CRC cells and that this agent may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment.
Infant feeding patterns and eczema in children in the first 6 years of life
Authors: Soto‐Ramírez N. , Kar S. , Zhang H. , Karmaus W.
Published: August 2017

Background

Modes of infant feeding such as direct and indirect breastfeeding, and formula feeding, and their combinations may play a role in child health.

Objective

The aim was to investigate which feeding patterns in the first 6 months pose risks of eczema/skin allergy in children up to 6 years compared to direct breastfeeding for at least 3 months.

Methods

The Infant Feeding Practices Study II in the United States and its 6‐year follow‐up provided data on feeding modes in infancy and doctor's diagnosed eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life (1387 infants), based on parental reports. Different feeding patterns were identified. Log‐linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of feeding patterns for doctor's diagnosed eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Compared to “direct breastfeeding for at least 3 months” (DBF3m), the combination of “direct feeding at the breast (DBF), pumping and feeding breast milk (BM), and formula (FF) in the first months” (DBF/BM/FF) showed a statistically significant higher risk of eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life (PR = 1.46), adjusting for confounders. DBF combined with BM for the first 3 months followed by mixed feeding also had an increased risk (PR = 1.26), although not statistically significant. Formula feeding introduced since birth had no effect on eczema. Among the confounders, paternal eczema and race/ethnicity (Hispanic vs White) were associated with a higher risk of eczema/skin allergy.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

Mixed infant feeding may carry a higher risk of eczema/skin allergy compared to direct feeding at the breast. The recent epidemic of pumping and feeding in the United States and the use of mixed infant feeding modes requires additional studies to provide appropriate and renewed assessments of the risks of feeding modes for the future development of allergies.
Bone marrow failure syndrome caused by homozygous frameshift mutation in the ERCC6L2 gene
Authors: Järviaho T. , Halt K. , Hirvikoski P. , Moilanen J. , Möttönen M. , Niinimäki R.
Published: August 2017

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are group of disorders that lead to inadequate production of blood cells. Mutations in genes involved in telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and the cell cycle cause IBMFS. ERCC6L2 gene mutations have been associated with bone marrow failure that includes developmental delay and microcephaly. We report 2 cases of bone marrow failure with no extra‐hematopoietic manifestations in patients from unrelated families with a homozygous truncating mutation in ERCC6L2. Bone marrow failure without developmental delay or microcephaly with ERCC6L2 mutation has not been previously described.
Influence of nano‐coated pigment ink formulation on ink‐jet printability and printing accuracy
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Liping , Wang Datong , Agbo Christiana , Fu Shaohai
Published: August 2017

Pigment ink was formulated with nano‐coated pigment dispersion, prepared via mini‐emulsion polymerization. To study the effect of nano‐coated pigment, surfactant and humectant on ink‐jet printability, the trajectory of droplets with different pigment ink composition was monitored. The effect of ink formulation on the accuracy of printing process of the pigment ink was discussed by study on line width and edge contour of printed patterns. Experimental results indicated that the additives and properties of the pigment ink had a great influence on droplet formation and precise positioning of the printed patterns. The optimal composition for the pigment ink as following: nano‐coated pigment dispersion was 20% w/w, surfactant (S‐465) was 1.5% w/w, humectant (diethylene glycol) was 30% w/w and defoamer (FB‐50) was 0.1% w/w. The prepared pigment ink exhibited excellent freeze–thaw, thermal and centrifugal stability. In addition, the optimal formula was beneficial to form a stable droplet and obtain high precision patterns.
Primary low‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin: An exceedingly rare entity
Authors: Chen Tiffany Y. , Morrison Annie O. , Susa Joe , Cockerell Clay J.
Published: August 2017

Low‐grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), also known as carcinoid tumor, commonly arise from the gastrointestinal (GI) and pulmonary tracts, but rarely occur in the skin. Cutaneous NET typically occurs as metastases or high‐grade primary lesions, called Merkel cell carcinoma. In the few cases described in literature, primary low‐grade neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (LGNECS) are usually indolent cutaneous nodules, presenting on the head and trunk of elderly patients. LGNECS tumors are histologically similar to its counterparts arising in other anatomic locations. As there is no NET cut‐off for the skin due to their rarity, the GI scale was used instead; low‐grade NETs have a Ki‐67 proliferative index of less than 3%. The distinction between primary and metastatic NET, however, is not absolute and can be difficult. A primary vs metastatic NET diagnosis relies on clinical exclusion of a NET in other, more common, anatomic locations. Here, we present a case of an LGNECS on the scalp of a 72‐year‐old female patient. Whole body imaging failed to identify any octreotide‐avid lesions elsewhere in the patient, aside from 2 positive cervical lymph nodes, which were confirmed with a node dissection and histologic evaluation. This is the 19th reported case of LGNECS and the 2nd reported case of LGNECS with nodal metastasis.
Modification of The Paris System for urinary tract washing specimens using diagnostic cytological features
Authors: Suh J. , Go H. , Sung C. , Baek S. , Hwang H. , Jeong S. , Cho Y.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The Paris System (TPS), which was recently introduced, emphasised the key features of malignant urine cytology: a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear hyperchromasia, irregular nuclear membranes and coarse chromatin. Although other diagnostic features have been described, the diagnostic significance of such features and their application to TPS have not been fully defined for urinary tract washing specimens.

Methods

A total of 142 cases of urinary tract washing specimens with corresponding surgical pathology samples were examined for the key features of TPS and 13 previously described features. The diagnostic performance of TPS and our proposed modification of TPS was compared with that of the current system.

Results

In addition to the key features of TPS, in the present study, high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) frequently exhibited tumour diathesis, a ragged edge of urothelial cell groups, anisonucleosis, India ink nuclei, apoptotic bodies and pleomorphism. As anisonucleosis and India ink nuclei remained independent predictors of HGUC for the multivariate analysis, they were used to modify TPS. The reporting rate of the atypical urothelial cell (AUC) category decreased from 25.3% in the current system to 14.8% in TPS and 11.3% in our proposed modification of TPS. The sensitivity increased from 59.4% in the current system to 70.8% in TPS and 90.0% in this study. The diagnostic accuracy increased from 0.786 in the current system and 0.754 in TPS to 0.859 in this study.

Conclusions

TPS is a useful diagnostic system for urinary tract washing specimens by decreasing the number of AUC cases and increasing sensitivity. In this study, anisonucleosis and India ink nuclei improved the diagnostic accuracy of HGUC.
Efficacy and safety of using premedication with simethicone/Pronase during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination with sedation: A single center, prospective, single blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Ling‐Ye , Li Wen‐Yan , Ji Ming , Liu Fu‐Kun , Chen Guang‐Yong , Wu Shan‐Shan , Hao Qian , Zhai Hui‐Hong , Zhang Shu‐Tian
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of premedication with simethicone/Pronase during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with sedation.

Methods

Six hundred and ten patients were randomly allocated to two groups based on type of premedication given. Premedication used in the control group was 10 mL lidocaine hydrochloride mucilage (LHM, N = 314) and premedication used in the intervention group was 80 mL simethicone/Pronase solution plus 10 mL lidocaine hydrochloride mucilage (SP/LHM, N = 296). EGD was done under sedation. Visibility scores, number of mucosal areas that needed cleansing, water consumption for cleansing, time taken for examination, diminutive lesions, pathological diagnosis, patients’ gag reflex and oxygenation (pulse oximetry) were recorded.

Results

SP/LHM has significantly lower total visibility score than LHM (7.978 ± 1.526 vs 6.348 ± 1.097, P < 0.01). During the procedure, number of intragastric areas that needed cleansing and amount of water consumed were significantly less in the SP/LHM than in the LHM group (P < 0.01). In SP/LHM (P = 0.01), endoscopy procedure duration was significantly longer. Although there was no significant difference in rate of detection of diminutive lesions between LHM and SP/LHM, the endoscopist carried out more biopsies in SP/LHM. This led to a higher rate of diagnosis of atrophic gastritis (P = 0.014) and intestinal metaplasia (P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in gag reflex (P = 0.604) and oxygenation during the endoscopy procedure for either group of patients.

Conclusion

Routine use of premedication with simethicone/Pronase should be recommended during EGD with sedation.
Generation of animal form by the Chordin/Tolloid/BMP gradient: 100 years after D'Arcy Thompson
Authors: De Robertis Edward M. , Moriyama Yuki , Colozza Gabriele
Published: August 2017

The classic book “On Growth and Form” by naturalist D'Arcy Thompson was published 100 years ago. To celebrate this landmark, we present experiments in the Xenopus embryo that provide a framework for understanding how simple, quantitative transformations of a morphogen gradient might have affected evolution and morphological diversity of organisms. D'Arcy Thompson proposed that different morphologies might be generated by modifying physical parameters in an underlying system of Cartesian coordinates that pre‐existed in Nature and arose during evolutionary history. Chordin is a BMP antagonist secreted by the Spemann organizer located on the dorsal side of the gastrula. Chordin generates a morphogen gradient as first proposed by mathematician Alan Turing. The rate‐limiting step of this dorsal–ventral (D‐V) morphogen is the degradation of Chordin by the Tolloid metalloproteinase in the ventral side. Chordin is expressed at gastrula on the dorsal side where BMP signaling is low, while at the opposite side peak levels of BMP signaling are reached. In fishes, amphibians, reptiles and birds, high BMP signaling in the ventral region induces transcription of a secreted inhibitor of Tolloid called Sizzled. By depleting Sizzled exclusively in the ventral half of the embryo we were able to expand the ventro‐posterior region in an otherwise normal embryo. Conversely, ventral depletion of Tolloid, which stabilizes Chordin, decreased ventral and tail structures, phenocopying the tolloid zebrafish mutation. We explain how historical constraints recorded in the language of DNA become subject to the universal laws of physics when an ancestral reaction‐diffusion morphogen gradient dictates form.
Gliptin therapy reduces hepatic and myocardial fat in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Kosi‐Trebotic Lana , Thomas Anita , Harreiter Jürgen , Chmelik Marek , Trattnig Siegfried , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra
Published: August 2017

Background

Increased hepatic fat and cardiac fat are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and are associated with a greater risk of liver fibrosis and cardiovascular (CV) events. Sex‐specific differences of dipeptidyl peptidase‐four (DPP‐4) inhibitor effects on hepatic (HCL) and myocardial fat content (MYCL) have not yet been evaluated.

Method

Forty‐one T2DM patients (20 male, 21 female) received a gliptin add‐on therapy if HbA1c goals were not reached under metformin monotherapy. They underwent cardiac and liver magnetic resonance tomography and spectroscopy before and 6 months after therapy initiation. Plasma samples were analysed for the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15), a novel marker for cardiovascular risk.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients on gliptin therapy completed the study. We observed a positive correlation between MYCL and HCL before therapy (R = 0·41, P = 0·05). After 6 months of therapy, we noticed a significant weight reduction in women only (P = 0·02) whereas waist circumference decreased similarly in both sexes. HbA1c sunk significantly in both sexes (P = 0·002). HCL decreased significantly (P = 0·0004), with women featuring higher basal HCL (P < 0·05). MYCL decreased in women only (P = 0·01) and GDF‐15 comparably in both sexes (P < 0·05).

Conclusions

6 months of DPP‐4‐therapy led to a significant overall decrease in HCL and body weight such as a reduction of MYCL only in women. This preliminary data set could implicate that gliptin may be a feasible therapy option in fatty liver patients with diabetes potentially including positive effects on cardiovascular function particularly in women.
Glucose‐dependent leucocyte activation in familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Koks Natasja , de Vries Marijke A. , Birnie Erwin , Alipour Arash , Castro Cabezas Manuel
Published: August 2017

Background

Leucocyte activation is an obligatory factor in the development of atherosclerosis. The postprandial situation has been associated to increased leucocyte activation in several disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and familial combined hyperlipidaemia. Our study aim was to evaluate the effect of post‐OGTT hyperglycaemia on leucocyte activation in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

Materials and methods

Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for heterozygous FH and healthy volunteers were asked to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test. Leucocyte activation markers CD11b and CD66b were determined by flow cytometry. Post‐OGTT changes were calculated as area under the curve (AUC) and the incremental area under the curve corrected for baseline values (dAUC). The impact of being an FH patient and using statins on the time‐dependent profile of the leucocyte activation markers was studied with repeated measurements analysis.

Results

Thirteen FH patients using statins, nine FH patients without statins and 14 healthy volunteers were included. FH subjects on statins had a slightly higher HbA1c than those not using these drugs or controls. Post‐OGTT glucose levels were significantly higher in patients with FH when compared to healthy controls (P = 0·001). These effects were independent from the use of statins.

Conclusions

Surprisingly, our study shows impaired post‐OGTT glucose excursions in patients with FH compared to healthy volunteers. Post‐OGTT hyperglycaemia may be related to persistent post‐OGTT activation of monocytes in FH patients compared to healthy controls, and therefore, it may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with FH.
A whole lot of misery: Adorno's negative Aristotelianism—Replies to Allen, Celikates, and O'Connor
Authors: Freyenhagen Fabian
Published: August 2017

Can one both be an Aristotelian in ethics and a negativist, whereby the latter involves subscribing to the view that the good cannot be known in our social context but that ethical guidance is nonetheless possible in virtue of a pluralist conception of the bad (of which this context and human history provide us ample knowledge)? Moreover, is it possible to combine Aristotelianism with a thoroughly historical outlook? I have argued that such combinations are, indeed, possible, and that we can find an example of them in Adorno's work. In this paper, I reply to three critics (Allen, Celikates and O'Connor) who cast doubt on this proposal. I also reply to other concerns they raise, regarding immanent critique, negativism, the role of social theory in Adorno's work, and the danger of being co‐opted. I stress the holism of Adorno's position, and, amid some more deflationary moves, insist on the distinctiveness of the Aristotelian position that results.