bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corruption and inflation: evidence from US states
Authors: Elkamel Hussein
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that states where corruption is greater also have higher levels of inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of all US states through the period 1992-2007 and various factors common across states that could impact the level of corruption or inflation, multiple regression techniques are used to determine corruption impact to inflation.

Findings

The study finds that corruption contributes, along with aid transfer, positively to inflation in the US states. The results are robust even after scaling the corruption variable to different determinants.

Originality/value

While there is some evidence on the relationship between corruption and inflation in cross-country dataset, there is no such evidence on it within country dataset. This paper, however, provides evidence on the relationship between corruption and inflation using state-level data of the US states.
On the drivers of BNDES credit to Brazilian state governments
Authors: Matos Paulo Rogério Faustino , de Jesus Filho Jaime
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address the discussion on the credit disbursement of US$28.6bn from Brazilian National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) to Brazilian state governments during the period from 2009 to 2014. They try to identify the main drivers of the credit allocation in both cross state and time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a dynamic balanced panel to estimate the role of technical and socioeconomic variables.

Findings

The results suggest that the states’ need for financing via BNDES exhibits neither inertial nor explosive behavior. The authors find an efficiency elasticity of this resource of 0.20. In addition, the impact of a positive change in the state fiscal status leads to an increase of 2.5 per cent in the indebtedness capacity. Finally, they find that wealthier states are more successful in demanding credit from BNDES.

Practical implications

This analysis of resource allocation is useful for modeling the determinants of international financial institutions as central planners. The authors also invite researchers to discuss the decision-making processes that characterize the federative pact in Brazil.

Originality/value

Although a burgeoning body of literature has examined the role of BNDES as a creditor institution for firms, its relationship with the public sector, in special subnational governments, has been rarely studied.
The New Learning Organisation
Authors: Antonacopoulou Elena P. , Moldjord Christian , Steiro Trygve J. , Stokkeland Christina
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to revive the old idea of the Learning Organisation by providing a fresh conceptualisation and illustration. The New Learning Organisation is conceptualised, focussing on the common good through responsible action. It is positioned as responding to the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity, Bennett and Lemoine, 2014) conditions with a VUCA approach to Learning Leadership fostering Institutional Reflexivity and High Agility Organising .

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a new organisational learning framework – the 8As – Sensuous Organisational Learning framework. It illustrates the operationalisation of this framework in PART II through the educational practices and learning culture of the Norwegian Defence University College, Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy’s (RNoAFA) approach to growing (Military) leaders.

Findings

The Sensuous Organisational Learning – 8As – framework illustrates how attentiveness, alertness, awareness, appreciation, anticipation, alignment, activation and agility form an integral part of the New Learning Organisation. Their unique contribution as aspect of a Sensuous Organisational Learning framework is that they explicate how the three principles of Institutional Reflexivity, High Agility Organising and Learning Leadership can be operationalised to serve the common good.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a novel way of reviving the Learning Organisation beyond an ideology as a practical approach to responding to VUCA conditions. It introduces a new learning theory and injects a fresh perspective in our understanding of the role and impact of learning in the workplace.

Practical implications

By focussing on Learning Leadership practices that extend previous Organisational Learning frameworks, The New Learning Organisation promoted here focuses on responsible action to serve the common good through Institutional Reflexivity and High Agility Organising.

Social implications

By focussing on how the common good can be better served, the New Learning Organisation becomes a mantra for social change to identify the higher purpose that social actions must serve.

Originality/value

The need for fresh contributions in the Organisational Learning debate is long overdue. This paper marks a new chapter in Organisational Learning research and practice by demonstrating the value of sensousness as a foundation for improving the practical judgements across professional practices.
Discovery of bacteriorhodopsins in Haloarchaeal species isolated from Indian solar salterns: deciphering the role of the N‐terminal residues in protein folding and functional expression
Authors: Verma Dipesh Kumar , Baral Ishita , Kumar Atul , Prasad Senthil E. , Thakur Krishan Gopal
Published: January 2019

Interesting optical and photochemical properties make microbial rhodopsin a promising biological material suitable for various applications, but the cost‐prohibitive nature of production has limited its commercialization. The aim of this study was to explore the natural biodiversity of Indian solar salterns to isolate natural bacteriorhodopsin (BR) variants that can be functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. In this study, we report the isolation, functional expression and purification of BRs from three pigmented haloarchaea, wsp3 (water sample Pondicherry), wsp5 and K1T isolated from two Indian solar salterns. The results of the 16S rRNA data analysis suggest that wsp3, wsp5 and K1T are novel strains belonging to the genera Halogeometricum, Haloferax and Haloarcula respectively. Overall, the results of our study suggest that 17 N‐terminal residues, that were not included in the gene annotation of the close sequence homologues, are essential for functional expression of BRs. The primary sequence, secondary structural content, thermal stability and absorbance spectral properties of these recombinant BRs are similar to those of the previously reported Haloarcula marismortui HmBRI. This study demonstrates the cost‐effective, functional expression of BRs isolated from haloarchaeal species using E. coli as an expression host and paves the way for feasibility studies for future applications.
Using human experience to identify drug repurposing opportunities: theory and practice
Authors: Cavalla D.
Published: January 2019

Retrospective evidence drawn from real‐world experience of a medicine's use outside its labelled indication is one of a number of techniques used in drug repurposing (DRP). Relying as it does on large numbers of real incidences of human experience, rather than individual case reports with limited statistical support, preclinical experiments with poor translatability or in silico associations, which are early‐stage hypotheses, it represents the best validated form of DRP. Cancer is the most frequent of such DRP examples (e.g. aspirin in pancreatic cancer, hazard ratio = 0.25). This approach can be combined with pathway analysis to provide first‐in‐class treatments for complex diseases. Alternatively, it can be combined with prospective preclinical studies to uncover a validated mechanism for a new indication, after which a repurposed molecule is chemically optimized.
Approximate Bayesian Inference for Discretely Observed Continuous-Time Multi-State Models
Authors: Tancredi Andrea
Published: January 2019

Inference for continuous time multi-state models presents considerable computational difficulties when the process is only observed at discrete time points with no additional information about the state transitions. In fact, for general multi-state Markov model, evaluation of the likelihood function is possible only via intensive numerical approximations. Moreover, in real applications, transitions between states may depend on the time since entry into the current state, and semi-Markov models, where the likelihood function is not available in closed form, should be fitted to the data. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) methods, which make use only of comparisons between simulated and observed summary statistics, represent a solution to intractable likelihood problems and provide alternative algorithms when the likelihood calculation is computationally too costly. In this article we investigate the potentiality of ABC techniques for multi-state models both to obtain the posterior distributions of the model parameters and to compare Markov and semi-Markov models. In addition, we will also exploit ABC methods to estimate and compare hidden Markov and semi-Markov models when observed states are subject to classification errors. We illustrate the performance of the ABC methodology both with simulated data and with a real data example.
The citrus flavanone hesperetin preferentially inhibits slow‐inactivating currents of a long QT syndrome type 3 syndrome Na+channel mutation
Authors: Alvarez‐Collazo Julio , López‐Requena Alejandro , Galán Loipa , Talavera Ariel , Alvarez Julio L. , Talavera Karel
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

The citrus flavanone hesperetin has been proposed for the treatment of several human pathologies, but its cardiovascular actions remain largely unexplored. Here, we evaluated the effect of hesperetin on cardiac electrical and contractile activities, on aortic contraction, on the wild‐type voltage‐gated NaV1.5 channel, and on a channel mutant (R1623Q) associated with lethal ventricular arrhythmias in the long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3).

Experimental approach

We used cardiac surface ECG and contraction force recordings to evaluate the effects of hesperetin in rat isolated hearts and aortic rings. Whole‐cell patch clamp was used to record NaV1.5 currents (INa) in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and in HEK293T cells expressing hNaV1.5 wild‐type or mutant channels.

Key results

Hesperetin increased the QRS interval and heart rate and decreased the corrected QT interval and the cardiac and aortic contraction forces at concentrations equal or higher than 30 μmol·L−1. Hesperetin blocked rat and human NaV1.5 channels with an effective inhibitory concentration of ≈100 μmol·L−1. This inhibition was enhanced at depolarized holding potentials and higher stimulation frequency and was reduced by the disruption of the binding site for local anaesthetics. Hesperetin increased the rate of inactivation and preferentially inhibitedINaduring the slow inactivation phase, these effects being more pronounced in the R1623Q mutant.

Conclusions and implications

Hesperetin preferentially inhibits the slow inactivation phase ofINa, more markedly in the mutant R1623Q. Hesperetin could be used as a template to develop drugs against lethal cardiac arrhythmias in LQT3.
The impact of inheritance experiences in orphans and vulnerable children support inZimbabwe:Acaregivers' perspective
Authors: Ringson John
Published: January 2019

Despite the predominant contemporary and traditional coping strategies adopted in Zimbabwe in the past three decades and beyond, challenges and issues related to inheritance continued to affect the livelihood of both orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their caregivers. This article is a qualitative phenomenological study seeking to examine the perceptions, views, and feelings of the OVC and their caregivers on their lived experiences in OVC care and support in Zimbabwe. The study focusses on the caregivers' perspectives of the impact of the inheritance experiences in OVC care and support within their tribal local rural communities. In‐depth narrative interviews were conducted with 30 caregivers, corroborated with 10 OVC purposively sampled in the Gutu District of Zimbabwe. The results showed that although the caregivers are doing their best in executing their strategies for OVC care and support, the manipulation and misappropriation of the inheritances from deceased parents or grandparents that were meant to benefit the OVCs are still widespread in the rural communities of Zimbabwe. In conclusion, the study recommends the need for an integrated stakeholders' approach in educating the local rural communities about their inheritance rights.
What Are You Waiting For? Real‐Time Integration of Cues for Fricatives Suggests Encapsulated Auditory Memory
Authors: Galle Marcus E. , Klein‐Packard Jamie , Schreiber Kayleen , McMurray Bob
Published: January 2019

Speech unfolds over time, and the cues for even a single phoneme are rarely available simultaneously. Consequently, to recognize a single phoneme, listeners must integrate material over several hundred milliseconds. Prior work contrasts two accounts: (a) a memory buffer account in which listeners accumulate auditory information in memory and only access higher level representations (i.e., lexical representations) when sufficient information has arrived; and (b) an immediate integration scheme in which lexical representations can be partially activated on the basis of early cues and then updated when more information arises. These studies have uniformly shown evidence for immediate integration for a variety of phonetic distinctions. We attempted to extend this to fricatives, a class of speech sounds which requires not only temporal integration of asynchronous cues (the frication, followed by the formant transitions 150–350 ms later), but also integration across different frequency bands and compensation for contextual factors like coarticulation. Eye movements in the visual world paradigm showed clear evidence for a memory buffer. Results were replicated in five experiments, ruling out methodological factors and tying the release of the buffer to the onset of the vowel. These findings support a general auditory account for speech by suggesting that the acoustic nature of particular speech sounds may have large effects on how they are processed. It also has major implications for theories of auditory and speech perception by raising the possibility of an encapsulated memory buffer in early auditory processing.
Taxation and the Environment–Health–Poverty Trap: A Policy Experiment Perspective
Authors: Chen Sumei , He Ling‐Yun
Published: January 2019

Under pressures related to economic growth and environmental protection, China is facing an increasingly severe “environment–health–poverty” trap risk. Fuel taxation is generally considered an effective policy to counter such a risk. Since 2009 China has raised the fuel tax rate many times to enhance tax reform. However, the effects of this policy remain unknown. Therefore, it is vitally important to estimate the impacts of China's current fuel taxation policy on environment, public health and the national economy. As the first attempt in existing literature on China, this paper builds a general equilibrium framework with the feedback effect of public health on economy. We find that that the fuel tax policy benefits the adjustment of the economic structure and improves human health; however, it is detrimental to economic growth, public welfare and price stability. In this sense, it plays a limited role in reducing the trap risk and might not be sustainable in the long term.
City Size, Population Concentration and Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Shen Jie , Chen Chunlai , Yang Mengyu , Zhang Keyun
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the impact of China's city size and urban population concentration on city productivity by developing a distinctive index based on global nighttime light data. Using the panel data of 280 prefecture cities from 2004 to 2013 and employing dynamic system generalized method of moments and panel threshold model regression techniques, our results show that city size has a positive impact on city productivity; therefore, cities in China still have the potential to expand. While moderate urban population concentration can benefit city productivity, excessively concentrated urban population distribution may impede the growth of city productivity. We also find that the level of labor income significantly affects the impacts of urban agglomeration on labor productivity. Therefore, our results imply that city development policies should focus more on how to appropriately allocate economic activities and adjust population distribution in urban areas according to different stages of economic development.
A luminescence‐based assay for evaluating bactericidal antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi in vaccinated horses’ serum
Authors: Lee J.J. , Hsieh C.L. , Widman J. , Mingala C. , Ardeza Villanueva M. , Feng H. , Divers T. , Chang Y.‐F.
Published: January 2019

Background

Current serological tests cannot discriminate between bactericidal Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies from others that are merely a response to Borrelia antigenic stimulation.

Objective

To develop a sensitive and convenient luminescence‐based serum bactericidal assay (L‐SBA) to identify serum borreliacidal activity.

Study design

Prospective validation study and method comparison.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained either from archives of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University (N = 7) or from a vaccination trial (N = 238). Endogenous complement‐inactivated serum sample was incubated with exogenic complement and B. burgdorferi ML23 pBBE22luc, which is able to process luciferin with luciferase and produce luminescence in viable Borrelia. After incubation, a light signal can be detected by using a luminometer to calculate the borreliacidal antibody titre.

Results

Components of the reaction mixture including spirochetes and complement from various sources and concentrations were tested to identify a reliable recipe for our complement‐mediated L‐SBA. We also applied this L‐SBA on measuring bactericidal antibody activities and calculated the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of serum samples from clinical collections. Furthermore, we analysed the L‐SBA titres and anti‐outer surface protein A (OspA) antibody levels from vaccinated horses using the multiplex assays and found that there is a relationship between results generated using these two different assays. The increases of L‐SBA titres correlated with increases of anti‐OspA antibody titre in sera (r = 0.423).

Main limitations

Immunoreactivity of commercial complement may differ from different batches. Clinical protection of borreliacidal antibody levels has not been determined.

Conclusions

The L‐SBA provided a sensitive and easy‐operating platform for the evaluation of bactericidal antibody to B. burgdorferi, and we anticipated L‐SBA would function well as an evaluation tool of vaccine efficiency in the future.
Variation in gait parameters used for objective lameness assessment in sound horses at the trot on the straight line and the lunge
Authors: Hardeman A. M. , Serra Bragança F. M. , Swagemakers J. H. , van Weeren P. R. , Roepstorff L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Objective lameness assessment is gaining more importance in a clinical setting, necessitating availability of reference values.

Objectives

To investigate the between ‐path, ‐trial and ‐day variation, between and within horses, in the locomotion symmetry of horses in regular use that are perceived sound.

Study design

Observational study with replicated measurement sessions.

Methods

Twelve owner‐sound horses were trotted on the straight line and on the lunge. Kinematic data were collected from these horses using 3D optical motion capture. Examinations were repeated on 12 occasions over the study which lasted 42 days in total. For each horse, measurements were grouped as five replicates on the first and second measurement days and two replicates on the third measurement day. Between measurement days 2 and 3, every horse had a break from examination of at least 28 days. Previously described symmetry parameters were calculated: RUD and RDD (Range Up/Down Difference; difference in upward/downward movement between right and left halves of a stride); MinDiff and MaxDiff (difference between the two minima/maxima of the movement); HHDswing and HHDstance (Hip Hike Difference‐swing/‐stance; difference between the upward movement of the tuber coxae during swingphase/stancephase). Data are described by the between‐measurement variation for each parameter. A linear mixed model was used to test for the effect of time, surface and path. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to access repeatability.

Results

Mean between‐measurement variation was (MinDiff, MaxDiff, RUD, RDD): 13, 12, 20, 16 mm (head); 4, 3, 6, 4 mm (withers) and 5, 4, 6, 6 mm (pelvis); (HHDswing, HHDstance): 7 and 7 mm. More between‐measurement variation is seen on the first measurement day compared to the second and third measurement days. In general, less variation is seen with increasing number of repetitions. Less between‐measurement variation is seen on hard surface compared to soft surface. More between‐measurement variation is seen on the circle compared to the straight line. Between‐horse variation was clearly larger than within‐horse variation. ICC values for the head, withers and pelvis symmetry parameters were 0.68 (head), 0.76 (withers), 0.85 (pelvis).

Main limitations

Lunge measurements on a hard surface were not performed.

Conclusions

Between‐measurement variation may be substantial, especially in head motion. This should be considered when interpreting clinical data after repeated measurements, as in routine lameness assessments.
Bleed volume of experimental knee haemarthrosis correlates with the subsequent degree of haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Vøls Kåre Kryger , Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads , Ley Carsten Dan , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Petersen Maj
Published: January 2019

Background

Haemophilic arthropathy is the main morbidity of haemophilia. The individual pathological response to the same number of clinically evident joint bleeds is highly variable; thus, it remains unknown if certain joint bleeding characteristics are critical for the development of arthropathy.

Aim

To study the relation between bleed volume and subsequent development of arthropathy, we aimed to develop quantitative in vivo imaging of active joint bleeds in a mouse model of haemophilia.

Methods

Haemophilia A (F8‐KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice were IV‐dosed with a micro‐CT blood pool contrast agent prior to an induced knee haemarthrosis or sham procedure. The mice were micro‐CT scanned five times the following 2 days to characterise and quantify the induced haemarthrosis in vivo. On Day 14, the mice were euthanized and pathological changes evaluated by histology and micro‐CT. Additionally, bleeding characteristics in vehicle‐treated F8‐KO mice were compared with those of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII)‐treated F8‐KO mice.

Results

F8‐KO mice had a significantly larger bleed volume than WT mice at all scan time points. The bleed volume 12 hours after induction of haemarthrosis correlated with the subsequent degree of arthropathy. Presence of µCT‐detectable bone pathology was associated with a significantly increased bleed volume among F8‐KO mice. rFVIII treatment significantly reduced bleed volume in F8‐KO mice.

Conclusion

Quantitative in vivo contrast‐enhanced micro‐CT imaging can be used to characterize and quantify joint bleeds in a mouse model of haemophilic arthropathy. The bleed volume correlates with the subsequent degree of arthropathy.
Rapid Laurasian diversification of a pantropical bird family during the Oligocene–Miocene transition
Authors: Oliveros Carl H. , Andersen Michael J. , Hosner Peter A. , Mauck William M. , Sheldon Frederick H. , Cracraft Joel , Moyle Robert G.
Published: January 2019

Disjunct, pantropical distributions are a common pattern among avian lineages, but disentangling multiple scenarios that can produce them requires accurate estimates of historical relationships and timescales. Here, we clarify the biogeographical history of the pantropical avian family of trogons (Trogonidae) by re‐examining their phylogenetic relationships and divergence times with genome‐scale data. We estimated trogon phylogeny by analysing thousands of ultraconserved element (UCE) loci from all extant trogon genera with concatenation and coalescent approaches. We then estimated a time frame for trogon diversification using MCMCTree and fossil calibrations, after which we performed ancestral area estimation using BioGeoBEARS. We recovered the first well‐resolved hypothesis of relationships among trogon genera. Trogons comprise three clades, each confined to one of three biogeographical regions: Africa, Asia and the Neotropics, with the African clade sister to the others. These clades diverged rapidly during the Oligocene‐Miocene transition. Our biogeographical analyses identify a Eurasian origin for stem trogons and a crown clade arising from ancestors broadly distributed across Laurasia and Africa. The pantropical ranges of trogons are relicts of a broader Afro‐Laurasian distribution that was fragmented across Africa, Asia and the New World in near coincident fashion during the Oligocene‐Miocene transition by global cooling and changing habitats along the Beringian land bridge and North Africa.
Aims and challenges of handicraft and home economics education in Estonia
Authors: Paas Kristi , Palojoki Päivi
Published: January 2019

Handicraft and home economics (HHE) are two school subjects taught as one subject by one teacher in Estonian comprehensive schools. The current article describes the development of the subject through certain historic periods that have affected the nature and teaching of the subject. The aim of this article is to determine HHE teachers’ understandings of the subject's aims and challenges. Two focus group interviews with nine HHE teachers in two geographically located places in Estonia were conducted. Transcriptions were analysed qualitatively with the ATLAS.ti program. Inductive thematic analysis revealed three main themes: the aims of the subjects, the teaching process and the learning environment. The last two themes are the main challenges in teachers’ everyday practice. Outcomes characterizing the subjects’ aims reveal teachers’ concerns about students’ knowledge and skills needed in the future, for example, how to manage their everyday life. Emerged challenges are related to organizational, economic and social aspects, for example, the mandatory exchange of study groups, divergent conditions and students’ poor handicraft skills. The main idea to work on is the promoting of the importance of the subject and separation of the handicraft and home economics lessons.
Distant Vikings: A Manifesto
Authors: Price Neil
Published: January 2019

This paper addresses some contemporary challenges in approaching the Viking Age, specifically the need for new interpretive models that we can bring to bear on its material culture, ideally drawn from cross-cultural, comparative analyses across time and place. A range of potential case studies is presented here from the island states of Oceania, across the broad socio-cultural networks of the Pacific. By looking at familiar Scandinavian sites and finds through a different lens, we can view them afresh and arrive at new understandings of this critical period of Northern history by comparison with these ‘distant Vikings’.
Towards an Explanation of the Dearth of Ceramic Fine Wares in Cyprus and Parts of the Levant Between AD 150 and 300
Authors: Lund John
Published: January 2019

The article focuses on a rarely acknowledged cultural phenomenon – the steep decline of ceramic fine wares in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean between about AD 150 and 300 and explores possible reasons behind the dearth of these table wares, as attested through archaeological projects, in particular in Cyprus. As an explanatory model a “Product Life-Cycle Theory” is tested against available data, in conjunction with other factors such as depletion of clay supplies and timber resources.
A low frequency lead‐free piezoelectric energy harvester with high‐power density
Authors: Yan Xiaodong , Zheng Mupeng , Zhu Mankang , Hou Yudong
Published: January 2019

Piezoelectric energy harvesting is an attractive technology for recycling energy from ambient vibrations. Many big challenges still limit applications for the piezoelectric energy harvester, including its low‐power density and high operating frequency. Although many studies have been done on this topic, discussion continues. In this work, a modified piezoelectric cantilever energy harvester (PCEH) fabricated with (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 ceramic was developed with a low operating frequency (20‐40 Hz) and a high‐power density (1.5‐2.0 μW/mm3). This ceramic presents a novel rhombohedral‐orthorhombic‐tetragonal multiphase coexistence, which is the origination of the enhanced piezoelectric response. A simple method is provided through optimizing the number of proof masses, which can be used to regulate the operating frequency of piezoelectric energy harvester. This discovery will be helpful in developing new piezoelectric energy harvesters with high‐power density and low operating frequency.
The mechanism of ATF3 repression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and suppression of cell viability in cholangiocarcinoma via p53 signal pathway
Authors: You Zhen , Xu Jingchang , Li Bei , Ye Hui , Chen Liping , Liu Yang , Xiong Xianze
Published: January 2019

The aim of this research was to determine the underlying mechanism of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) on cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The differentially expressed mRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and its adjacent tissues were screened by microarray analysis, and the expression of ATF3 was detected through Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot. The expression of EMT markers and p53‐related proteins was analysed by Western blot. Analyses using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 and TUNEL were performed to assess the rate of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Scratch wound and transwell assays were performed to study cell migration and invasion. Activating transcription factor 3 was restrained in CC cell lines and tissues and inhibited EMT while activating the p53 signalling pathway. Knockdown of ATF3 promoted cell proliferation but reduced the rate of apoptosis by inhibiting p53 signalling. Cell migration and invasion can be strengthened by ATF3 through activating the p53 signalling pathway.
Sunshine is an Important Determinant of Vitamin D Status Even Among High‐dose Supplement Users: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Crohn's Disease Patients
Authors: O'Sullivan Fiona , Raftery Tara , van Weele Michiel , van Geffen Jos , McNamara Deirdre , O'Morain Colm , Mahmud Nasir , Kelly Dervla , Healy Martin , O'Sullivan Maria , Zgaga Lina
Published: January 2019

Sunshine is considered to be the most important source of vitamin D. Due to an increased risk of skin cancer, sun avoidance is advised, but this directly contributes to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The simple solution is to advise vitamin D supplementation. The aim of this study was to examine the absolute and relative contribution of sunshine and supplementation to vitamin status. This study was a secondary analysis of an RCT of 92 Crohn's disease patients in remission (49% female, median age = 44). Participants were randomized to 2000 IU day−1 of vitamin D3 or placebo for 1 year, with 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) being measured at baseline and every 4 months. Based on participant's place of residence, daily ambient UVB dose at wavelengths that can induce vitamin D synthesis (D‐UVB) was obtained. Cumulative and weighted ambient D‐UVB (cw‐D‐UVB) exposure prior to each blood draw was calculated for each participant. Linear regression analysis and multilevel modeling were used to examine the association between UVB exposure, supplementation and 25(OH)D concentration. There was considerable annual variation in D‐UVB, cw‐D‐UVB and 25(OH)D. Both supplementation and cw‐D‐UVB were found to be strongly associated with 25(OH)D: in multilevel model, an increase of approximately 6 nmol L−1 for every 100 kJ m−2 in cw‐D‐UVB was found, among those receiving placebo and supplementation (P < 0.0001). Treatment was associated with increase of 23 nmol L−1 (P < 0.0001). Sunshine is an important determinant of 25(OH)D concentration, even in those who are taking high‐dose vitamin D supplements and reside at a higher mid‐latitude location.
Efficacy and safety of 308‐nm excimer lamp in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Rattanakaemakorn Ploysyne , Phusuphitchayanan Phanitchanat , Pakornphadungsit Kallapan , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Suchonwanit Poonkiat
Published: January 2019

Background

Scalp psoriasis is a major therapeutic challenge due to the hindrance caused by hair. Treatment with the 308‐nm excimer lamp is purported to provide many benefits over conventional phototherapy. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and effective dosage of 308‐nm excimer light in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with scalp psoriasis who received treatment with 308‐nm excimer light. Clinical and epidemiological data as well as details regarding treatment were statistically analyzed to determine the treatment outcomes.

Results

Twenty patients with scalp psoriasis were included in the study. Their mean age was 47.45 ± 17.93 years. Eleven patients responded to treatment at the end of 10 sessions. The median baseline Psoriatic Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) was 12 (range, 3‐32). At the end of the protocol, the median PSSI was 4.5 (range, 0‐24), indicating a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). Common adverse effects included erythema, irritation, and desquamation.

Conclusion

The 308‐nm excimer light appears to be an effective and safe modality that requires short treatment time. The modality could be considered as an alternative or adjuvant treatment for scalp psoriasis.
Low‐mobility sperm phenotype in the domestic turkey: Impact on sperm morphometry and early embryonic death
Authors: Manier Mollie K. , Welch Glenn , Van Nispen Christiaan , Bakst Murray R. , Long Julie
Published: January 2019

Contents

The sperm mobility assay measures the ability of sperm to swim through a dense layer of Accudenz®, and the sperm mobility phenotype has been shown to predict fertility and other sperm performance traits in roosters and turkeys. In this study, we examined turkey sperm morphometry and rates of early embryonic death associated with high‐ and low‐mobility semen. We also assessed whether the hypo‐osmotic stress test, which evaluates the structural integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, may be used as a faster and simpler assay for sperm mobility and viability. We confirmed previous work that found that high‐mobility sperm are faster and swim more linearly than low‐mobility sperm, and that mobility traits were repeatable within males. In contrast to previous studies, we did not find higher rates of fertility, but low‐mobility sperm was associated with higher rates of early embryonic death, though this trend was not significant. High‐mobility sperm had longer sperm heads, explained by longer nuclei, despite shorter acrosomes. Although these sperm were faster, midpiece length and flagellum length did not differ between high‐ and low‐mobility sperm. Finally, mobility was not found to be associated with sperm performance in the hypo‐osmotic stress test.
Modeling the Cost Effectiveness of Fire Protection Resource Allocation in the United States: Models and a 1980–2014 Case Study
Authors: Behrendt Adam , Payyappalli Vineet M. , Zhuang Jun
Published: January 2019

The estimated cost of fire in the United States is about $329 billion a year, yet there are gaps in the literature to measure the effectiveness of investment and to allocate resources optimally in fire protection. This article fills these gaps by creating data‐driven empirical and theoretical models to study the effectiveness of nationwide fire protection investment in reducing economic and human losses. The regression between investment and loss vulnerability shows highR2values (≈0.93). This article also contributes to the literature by modeling strategic (national‐level or state‐level) resource allocation (RA) for fire protection with equity‐efficiency trade‐off considerations, while existing literature focuses on operational‐level RA. This model and its numerical analyses provide techniques and insights to aid the strategic decision‐making process. The results from this model are used to calculate fire risk scores for various geographic regions, which can be used as an indicator of fire risk. A case study of federal fire grant allocation is used to validate and show the utility of the optimal RA model. The results also identify potential underinvestment and overinvestment in fire protection in certain regions. This article presents scenarios in which the model presented outperforms the existing RA scheme, when compared in terms of the correlation of resources allocated with actual number of fire incidents. This article provides some novel insights to policymakers and analysts in fire protection and safety that would help in mitigating economic costs and saving lives.
Choosing between multiple regional trade agreements: Evidence from Japan’s imports
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu , Urata Shujiro , Yoshimi Taiyo
Published: January 2019

Mega‐regional trade agreements (RTAs) are likely to overlap with other RTAs. When such overlaps occur, firms must choose the tariff rates from multiple RTAs. By employing data on Japan’s imports by tariff schemes, we investigate how RTA tariff rates affect firms’ decisions on tariff schemes when multiple RTAs exist. Our finding is that RTA utilization rates are higher when tariff rates for that RTA are lower (own effect) and tariff rates for alternative RTAs are higher (cross effect). We also found that the absolute magnitudes of own and cross effects are larger in bilateral and multilateral RTAs, respectively.
Visualization in Bayesian Workflow
Authors: Gabry Jonah , Simpson Daniel , Vehtari Aki , Betancourt Michael , Gelman Andrew
Published: January 2019

Bayesian data analysis is about more than just computing a posterior distribution, and Bayesian visualization is about more than trace plots of Markov chains. Practical Bayesian data analysis, like all data analysis, is an iterative process of model building, inference, model checking and evaluation, and model expansion. Visualization is helpful in each of these stages of the Bayesian workflow and it is indispensable when drawing inferences from the types of modern, high dimensional models that are used by applied researchers.
SATB2‐associated syndrome (SAS) and associated dental findings
Authors: Scott John , Adams Chad , Beetstra Stephen , Zarate Yuri A.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Identify, diagnose, and document oral clinical and radiographic evidence associated with the genetic condition known as special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2 (SATB2)‐associated syndrome. Through identifying and publishing these common dental and behavioral findings, we hope to educate oral and medical healthcare providers to identify this condition in an attempt to develop meaningful comprehensive care to this patient population.

Methods

A total of 37 patients (19 female), ranging from ages 2 to 20 were evaluated at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Patient geographic distribution included: the United States, Canada, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. Patients were clinically and radiographically examined for oral findings. Panoramic radiographs were obtained when patient's behavior allowed. Patient's parents or guardians were also interviewed concerning dental, medical, and behavioral histories.

Results

Clinical findings included delayed tooth eruption, bruxism, sialorrhea, larger than normal teeth with an increased propensity for maxillary anterior tooth trauma due to unsteady ambulation. Radiographic findings included delayed permanent root formation, significantly delayed or missing second bicuspids, malformed teeth, and taurodontism. Medical and behavioral issues included: insomnia, hyperphagia, cognitive delays, and an extremely high pain threshold.

Conclusion

Patients with SATB2‐associated syndrome have shown to have a consistent and unique set of dental findings both clinically and radiographically. A thorough health and dental history along with the aforementioned results of the study may facilitate a diagnosis of this syndrome. Due to the complexity of the patient's dental needs and behavior, a health practitioner with special needs care experience on a comprehensive craniofacial team would be optimal.
La historicidad del delito en la manualística del derecho penal colombiano
Authors: Parada García Gilberto Enrique
Published: January 2019

Esta investigación evidencia cómo la noción concebida por el derecho penal sobre la historia del delito ha sido un recurso residual a la hora de comprender científicamente el delito. El artículo analiza las referencias a la historia del delito que aparecen en los manuales de derecho penal publicados en el medio colombiano desde siglo XIX hasta el momento presente. También se incluyen en esta indagación algunas monografías, tesis y cursos de derecho penal que exponen contenidos similares de la historicidad del crimen en Colombia. A partir de una perspectiva metodológica crítica, el texto destaca cómo los conceptos de la evolución, el apego al formalismo y al legalismo, así como la continuidad de modelos pedagógicos tradicionales, han configurado una noción de historia del delito que fue plasmada por esta manualística del derecho penal y que difiere en gran medida de otras historiografías del delito. Se confirma entonces que la historicidad del delito, lo mismo que la noción del tiempo histórico a través del cual se ha interpretado el pasado del derecho penal, han sido condicionados por determinismos y reduccionismos que se compaginaron muy bien con la dogmática del derecho penal.
Visiones contrapuestas de la participación ciudadana en el constitucionalismo ecuatoriano
Authors: Celi Toledo Israel Patricio , Erazo Bustamante Silvana Esperanza
Published: January 2019

Este artículo plantea una reflexión sobre las premisas de la democracia participativa en el constitucionalismo ecuatoriano. Recurriendo a una interpretación dinámica de la Constitución de 2008, logra evidenciar dos visiones contrapuestas de la participación ciudadana, que implican fuertes tensiones entre una parte dogmática altamente comprometida con los ideales de la democracia participativa, y un régimen político constitucional, que contradice dichos ideales, al favorecer la concentración del poder en instituciones políticas distantes del control ciudadano.
A Methodology Based on Structural Finite Element Method-Boundary Element Method and Acoustic Boundary Element Method Models in 2.5D for the Prediction of Reradiated Noise in Railway-Induced Ground-Borne Vibration Problems
Authors: Ghangale Dhananjay , Colaço Aires , Alves Costa Pedro , Arcos Robert
Published: January 2019

This work is focused on the analysis of noise and vibration generated in underground railway tunnels due to train traffic. Specifically, an analysis of noise and vibration generated by train passage in an underground simple tunnel in a homogeneous full-space is presented. In this methodology, a two-and-a-half-dimensional coupled finite element and boundary element method (2.5D FEM-BEM) is used to model soil–structure interaction problems. The noise analysis inside the tunnel is performed using a 2.5D acoustic BEM considering a weak coupling. The method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is used to validate the acoustic BEM methodology. The influence of fastener stiffness on vibration and noise characteristic inside a simple tunnel is investigated.
Analyzing Bilinear Systems Using a New Hybrid Symbolic-Numeric Computational Method
Authors: Tien Meng-Hsuan , D'Souza Kiran
Published: January 2019

In this paper, an efficient and accurate computational method for determining responses of high-dimensional bilinear systems is developed. Predicting the dynamics of bilinear systems is computationally challenging since the piecewise-linear nonlinearity induced by contact eliminates the use of efficient linear analysis techniques. The new method, which is referred to as the hybrid symbolic-numeric computational (HSNC) method, is based on the idea that the entire nonlinear response of a bilinear system can be constructed by combining linear responses in each time interval where the system behaves linearly. The linear response in each time interval can be symbolically expressed in terms of the initial conditions. The transition time where the system switches from one linear state to the other and the displacement and velocity at the instant of transition are solved using a numerical scheme. The entire nonlinear response can then be obtained by joining each piece of the linear response together at the transition time points. The HSNC method is based on using linear features to obtain large computational savings. Both the transient and steady-state response of bilinear systems can be computed using the HSNC method. Thus, nonlinear characteristics, such as subharmonic motion, bifurcation, chaos, and multistability, can be efficiently analyzed using the HSNC method. The HSNC method is demonstrated on a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) system and a cracked cantilever beam model, and the nonlinear characteristics of these systems are examined.
Micropower Generation Using Cross-Flow Instabilities: A Review of the Literature and Its Implications
Authors: Daqaq Mohammed F. , Bibo Amin , Akhtar Imran , Alhadidi Ali H. , Panyam Meghashyam , Caldwell Benjamin , Noel Jamie
Published: January 2019

Emergence of increasingly smaller electromechanical systems with submilli-Watt power consumption led to the development of scalable micropower generators (MPGs) that harness ambient energy to provide electrical power on a very small scale. A flow MPG is one particular type which converts the momentum of an incident flow into electrical output. Traditionally, flow energy is harnessed using rotary-type generators whose performance has been shown to drop as their size decreases. To overcome this issue, oscillating flow MPGs were proposed. Unlike rotary-type generators which rely upon a constant aerodynamic force to produce a deflection or rotation, oscillating flow MPGs take advantage of cross-flow instabilities to provide a periodic forcing which can be used to transform the momentum of the moving fluid into mechanical motion. The mechanical motion is then transformed into electricity using an electromechanical transduction element. The purpose of this review article is to summarize important research carried out during the past decade on flow micropower generation using cross-flow instabilities. The summarized research is categorized according to the different instabilities used to excite mechanical motion: galloping, flutter, vortex shedding, and wake-galloping. Under each category, the fundamental mechanism responsible for the instability is explained, and the basic mathematical equations governing the motion of the generator are presented. The main design parameters affecting the performance of the generator are identified, and the pros and cons of each method are highlighted. Possible directions of future research which could help to improve the efficacy of flow MPGs are also discussed.