bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Great expectations? Female expatriates’ perceptions of organisational performance and development reviews in supporting access to international assignments
Authors: Shortland Susan , Perkins Stephen J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of organisational performance and development review policy and practice on women’s access to international careers via long-term expatriate assignments in the oil and gas industry, with a specific focus on women’s perceptions of procedural justice.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative cross-sectional case study research design is used to analyse performance and development review, and international assignment policies in two firms, together with in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 Human Resource policy custodians and 21 female long-term current assignees.

Findings

Women assignees do not see performance and development reviews as effective mechanisms to access expatriate roles. Nonetheless, women use these procedures while also operating within senior male networks to signal their desire to expatriate.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies differences between organisational policy objectives and policy implementation, and female assignees’ experiences and expectations of accessing expatriate roles. Women’s perceptions of organisational justice are not harmed because women place more emphasis on process and conversations than on policy. Research propositions are suggested extending organisational justice theory.

Practical implications

Clear articulation of performance and development review processes aids organisational succession planning. Formalised, transparent expatriate career management supports women’s access to expatriation. The roles of key personnel in determining access to expatriate career paths require clarification.

Originality/value

This paper extends our knowledge of women’s organisationally assigned expatriate careers and perceptions of procedural justice. Women use performance and development reviews to access expatriate opportunities. Employer action aligned to policy intent could help increase female expatriate participation.
The (un)suitability of fair-value accounting in emerging economies: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lisa-Uyen
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the suitability and challenges of implementing fair value accounting (FVA) in Vietnam, an emerging/transitioning economy. While such implementation would enable convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards, standard setters and auditors have raised practical concerns about its adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews with regulators and auditors, together with an analysis of two fraud cases that illustrate the business environment in Vietnam. Public, private and capture theories guide the analysis.

Findings

The business and institutional environment in Vietnam creates several impediments to FVA being effectively implemented and transparently applied. Given the major challenges identified regarding the infrastructure necessary for this valuation system, the premature adoption of FVA may become a catalyst for corporate misconduct.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are derived from data aggregated from two fraud cases and interviews, and as such, the results may not be generalisable to other settings. However, these findings may inform future research, particularly after the Ministry of Finance provides further guidance on the use of FVA in Vietnam.

Practical implications

A timely and critical examination of the challenges of implementing FVA in a transitioning economy is provided, and the two fraud cases reveal the complexities of the business environment in Vietnam.

Originality/value

This research gives voice to the tensions that developing countries are confronting as they seek to balance external pressures with internal constraints. The introduction of an assemblage of three theoretical lenses enables insights into contemporary issues associated with applying FVA in such settings.
Knowledge and expertise in care practices: the role of the peer worker in mental health teams
Authors: Oborn Eivor , Barrett Michael , Gibson Sarah , Gillard Steve
Published: April 2019

Our research examines how different forms of knowledge and expertise are increasingly important in caring for people experiencing mental illness. We build on theoretical developments regarding multiple ontologies of knowing about illness. We examine how experiential knowledge of mental health problems, learned by being subject to illness rather than through objective study, is enacted in mental healthcare teams. We focus on Peer Workers (PW), individuals who have lived experience of mental health problems, and who contribute knowledge and expertise to mental health care within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Our longitudinal study was undertaken over 2 years by a multidisciplinary team who conducted 91 interviews withPWand other stakeholders to peer support within a comparative case study design. We show how workers with tacit, experiential knowledge of mental ill health engaged in care practice. First, we show how subjective knowing is underpinned by unique socialisation that enables the development of shared interactional spaces. Second, we point to how the situated nature of subjective knowing is uniquely embedded in time and space and allows for the alignment of embodied knowledge with trajectories of care. Third, we provide insight into how subjective forms of expertise might be incorporated into multidisciplinary care.
Comparative and Correlation Studies of Biochemical Substances in Vitreous Humor and Synovial Fluid
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon , Thongphap Wantawanop , Chittamma Anchalee
Published: April 2019

Vitreous humor (VH) and synovial fluid (SF) become optional postmortem samples for biochemistry investigation. However, few studies have explored SF as a potential source, and there is still controversy whether the biochemical concentrations in bilateral VH are the same. We explored the concentrations of biochemical substances in both VH and SF, and compared between both sides and between the fluids. We also correlated the biochemical concentrations in both fluids. All samples were centrifuged after collection and the supernatant fluids were used for the analysis. The results indicated no significant difference in the constituent concentrations between the fluids from both sides (p > 0.05). Sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in the VH, but in vice versa for glucose, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations (p < 0.001). Sodium, potassium, glucose, lactate, urea, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations between both fluids showed significant correlation (p < 0.05), but not chloride and magnesium concentrations.
Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nuts: Experiments, Modeling, and Optimization
Authors: Bodoira Romina , Velez Alexis , Rovetto Laura , Ribotta Pablo , Maestri Damián , Martínez Marcela
Published: April 2019

A process to obtain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties from pistachio nuts using water/ethanol mixture under high temperature and pressure conditions was carried out. To optimize extraction conditions and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds, theoretical models were scanned against experimental data. Phenolic profile was dominated by several flavonoids and gallic acid derivatives. A fitted model for phenolic compounds extraction presented a maximum predicted value under the following conditions: 220 °C extraction temperature, 6.5 MPa pressure, and 50% ethanol. Beneath these conditions, phenolic extracts gave the highest radical scavenging capacity, similar to that reached by using commercial antioxidants. A mathematical model, namely two‐site desorption kinetic model, showed to be suitable for the description of extraction kinetics under the optimal operation conditions. Overall, the process described in this study shows a potential alternative method for extraction of pistachio bioactive compounds.

Practical Application

Pistachio nuts are known to contain a vast array of phenolic and polyphenolic substances having strong antioxidant properties. Currently, the use of natural antioxidants in the food industry has increased, in consequence there is a growing interest in improving the extraction processes using GRAS (general recognize as safe) solvents. This study describes a safe, inexpensive, and short‐time method (subcritical fluid extraction) to obtain antioxidant extracts from defatted pistachio nuts. This type of process may be adapted toward applications at industrial scale.
An Iron Age ceramic sequence from the Bayt Bin Ati, al‐Ain, UAE
Authors: Power Timothy , Benoist Anne , Sheehan Peter
Published: April 2019

Rescue excavations associated with the adaptive reuse of a historic building in the Qattara Oasis revealed a 5 m stratigraphic sequence spanning the past 3000 years. The main period of occupation—roughly half the sequence—belongs to the Iron Age II and III periods (c.1100–300 BC). Evidence of agriculture and industry was found which complements our understanding of the well‐known Iron Age settlements of al‐Ain. The present paper sets out the stratigraphic sequence and presents the phased ceramic assemblage, before considering the broader implications for the archaeology of Iron Age south‐east Arabia.
Dwelling(s) in a north‐west Arabian oasis: decoding residential architecture at Taymāʾ
Authors: Weigel Friedrich Wilhelm
Published: April 2019

The definition of an ancient, autochthonous north‐west Arabian residential architecture is still a major void in the archaeology of the region. This preliminary case study is intended to shed some light on this “blind spot” by presenting and analysing the architectural complex E‐b9 from Taymāʾ (c. fourth/third century BCE until the first/early second century CE). A meticulous study of the architecture identified a modular concept as a key to understanding the complex. Furthermore, underlying patterns of household organisation can be deduced from the architectural remains resulting in the definition of potential household units. Those are indicated by a set of activity areas which are congruent with patterns of accessibility and the use of specific wall types. These findings provide insights into the organisation of households and daily life in the oasis of Taymāʾ, and may help to define local or regional traditions in the future.
Acute effects of cannabinoids on addiction endophenotypes are moderated by genes encoding the CB1 receptor and FAAH enzyme
Authors: Hindocha Chandni , Freeman Tom P. , Schafer Grainne , Gardner Chelsea , Bloomfield Michael A.P. , Bramon Elvira , Morgan Celia J.A. , Curran H. Valerie
Published: April 2019

Understanding genetic factors that contribute to cannabis use disorder (CUD) is important, but to date, findings have been equivocal. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1; rs1049353 and rs806378) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene (rs324420) have been implicated in CUD. Their relationship to addiction endophenotypes such as cannabis‐related state satiety, the salience of appetitive cues, and craving after acute cannabinoid administration has not been investigated. Forty‐eight cannabis users participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐way crossover experiment where they were administered treatments in a randomized order via vaporization: placebo, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (8 mg), THC + cannabidiol (THC + CBD) (8 + 16 mg), and CBD (16 mg). Cannabis‐related state satiety, appetitive cue salience (cannabis and food), and cannabis craving were assessed each day. Participants were genotyped for rs1049353, rs806378, and rs324420. Results indicated that CNR1 rs1049353 GG carriers showed increased state satiety after THC/THC + CBD administration in comparison with placebo and reduced the salience of appetitive cues after THC in comparison with CBD administration; A carriers did not vary on either of these measures indicative of a vulnerability to CUD. CNR1 rs806378 CC carriers showed greater salience to appetitive cues in comparison with T carriers, but there was no evidence for changes in state satiety. FAAH rs324420 A carriers showed greater bias to appetitive cues after THC, in comparison with CC carriers. FAAH CC carriers showed reduced bias after THC in comparison with CBD. No SNPs modulated craving. These findings identify candidate neurocognitive mechanisms through which endocannabinoid system genetics may influence vulnerability to CUD.
Do electronic health record prompts increase take‐home naloxone administration for emergency department patients after an opioid overdose?
Authors: Marino Ryan , Landau Aaron , Lynch Michael , Callaway Clifton , Suffoletto Brian
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

Distribution of take‐home naloxone (THN) to emergency department (ED) patients who have survived an opioid overdose (OD) could reduce future opioid mortality, but is not commonly performed. We examined whether electronic health record (EHR) prompts provided to ED physicians when discharging a patient after an OD could improve THN distribution.

Design

Interrupted time–series analysis to compare the percentage of OD patients who received THN during the 11 months before and after implementation of an EHR prompt on 18 June 2017.

Setting and participants

A total of 3492 adult patients with diagnoses of OD discharged from nine EDs in a single health system in Western Pennsylvania from July 2016 to April 2018.

Intervention and comparator

The EHR prompt was triggered by the presence of specific terms in the nurse's initial assessment note. The EHR displayed a pop‐up window during the ED physician discharge process asking the physician to consider prescribing or providing naloxone to the patient. The comparator was ‘no EHR prompt’.

Measurements

Measurements were based on standard criteria from ICD diagnostic codes and chief complaint keywords.

Findings

In July 2016, 16.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 14.0, 18.5] of OD patients received THN, which decreased every month through June 2017 by 1.2% (P < 0.0001, 95% CI = 0.8,1.7). For each month post‐EHR prompt there was an increase of 2.8% of OD patients receiving THN (P < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.0, 3.5). No increases occurred in the ED with the highest pre‐EHR prompt THN distribution. Rates of THN distribution varied by patient age and race prior to, but not after, implementation of EHR prompts.

Conclusions

Electronic health record prompts are associated with increased take‐home naloxone distribution for emergency department patients discharged after opioid overdoses.
Recurrent radiation recall dermatitis triggered by radiological procedures in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Emre Selma , Demirseren Duriye Deniz , Unal Esranur , Sungu Nuran
Published: April 2019

Radiation recall dermatitis is an acute inflammatory reaction that occurs on previously irradiated skin by usage of chemotherapeutic agents and other triggering drugs. The recall reaction is usually associated with drugs but may also occur following ultraviolet radiation. We report a patient with radiation recall dermatitis, triggered after imaging procedures that involved radiation.
Nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise affect prostate morphology and hormone receptor interface in adult rats with implications for the aging process
Authors: Gomes F. de C. , Chuffa L. G. de A. , Fávaro W. J. , Scarano W. R. , de Melo‐Neto J. S. , Pinheiro P. F. F. , Domeniconi R. F.
Published: April 2019

Background

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is an anabolic–androgenic steroid, and its indiscriminate use leads to subclinical alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and androgen‐dependent organs.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of ND, either alone or in combination with resistance exercise (RE), on the levels of sex hormones, converting enzymes, and steroid receptors and the morphology of the ventral prostate (VP) in adult and aged rats.

Methods

Forty Sprague–Dawley adult and aged rats were divided into four groups each, sedentary and trained with and without ND. The groups received treatments over 8 weeks. Adult animals were sacrificed immediately following treatment completion, while the aged groups were left untreated until 300 days of age.

Results

Adult and aged animals showed reductions in testosterone levels following the different treatments, and 17β‐estradiol levels were decreased in the ND‐treated groups. The level of 5α‐reductase type 2 (5αR2) and aromatase was increased significantly in the prostates of adult animals that performed RE. However, aromatase levels were decreased in the prostates of aged animals that performed RE and were treated with ND, while 5αR2 levels were reduced in aged animals that performed RE without ND treatment. When sex receptors levels were examined, the aged and trained animals presented low androgen receptor (AR) levels. Estrogen receptors (ERs) levels were increased in the prostates of adult animals that received ND. ERβ levels were reduced after treatments in aged animals. The heights of the prostatic epithelium were reduced in all adult treated animals, coinciding with increases in PCNA and PAR4 levels.

Discussion

ND and RE alter the levels of hormone, converting enzymes, and sex steroid receptors and the morphology of the VP. These effects were observed in both adult and aged rats.

Conclusion

ND, either with or without RE, during post‐puberty stage is able to interfere with the morphophysiology of the prostate.
Microencapsulated parathyroid allotransplantation in the omental tissue
Authors: Yucesan Emrah , Basoglu Harun , Goncu Beyza , Akbas Fahri , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Aysan Erhan
Published: April 2019

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a severe clinical condition accompanied by low parathyroid hormone level. Conventional treatment requires lifelong medication, and daily drug usage has some side effects. To avoid this circumstance, transplantation is an alternative and curative option. Microencapsulation may be used as a transplantation approach particularly to evade immune response. In order to define treatment of permanent hypoparathyroidism, a 37‐year‐old female recipient who has permanent hypoparathyroidism was evaluated for 3 years. Routine tests, viral markers, and T and B lymphocyte cross‐match tests were analyzed. In addition intradermal skin test was performed for ultrapure alginate. Microencapsulation of cultured parathyroid cells was performed with ultrapure alginate. Cell suspension was prepared and spheroids were generated with calcium chloride. Afterward, transplantation was performed with a laparoscopic approach in the omental tissue. The recipient was discharged from the hospital without complications. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and phosphorus levels were observed throughout 1 year. During the follow‐up period, no complications were observed. Serum calcium levels were increased significantly on day 10 and PTH levels were increased on day 25 as well. According to our knowledge, this is the first study where ultrapure alginate‐based microencapsulated parathyroid cells were transplanted in the omental tissue. A significant increment of PTH levels was detected. Microencapsulated parathyroid cells showed the functionality of this technique for more than 1 year. This study showed that using ultrapure alginate‐based microencapsulation without immunosuppression appears to be a promising technique.
Association between glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Xu Xiao‐He , Zou Jing‐Yu , Geng Wen , Wang Ai‐Yuan
Published: April 2019

To address inconsistency as well as investigate the relationship between glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We systematically conducted this meta‐analysis based on observational studies published up to 15 January 2018, identified from PubMed and Web of Science. Two team members independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of each included study. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Eight observational studies with 6870 AD cases were included. The majority of these studies (n = 6) were graded as low risk according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, compared to those who were not, had an increased risk of AD (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). A significant finding was also observed for primary open‐angle glaucoma (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). However, when stratified by study design, only the case–control studies (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 37.3%, p = 0.207) yielded significant results, while the cohort studies did not (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 97.7%, p < 0.001). Of note, our meta‐regression analysis suggested that study design might be a source of heterogeneity (p = 0.009). Additionally, a significantly positive association was observed when the analyses were restricted to Asia (RR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.02–4.07). There was no significant publication bias in these analyses. Recent evidence suggests that glaucoma may increase the risk of AD. Additional cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings and to have improved knowledge on the true nature of this association.
Oct angiography compared to fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography in the detection of choroidal neovascularization in pigment epithelial detachment
Authors: de Oliveira Tauan , Isaac David Leonardo Cruvinel , Garcia Jose Mauricio Botto de Barros , Schelini Maria Claudia , Avila Marcos Pereira
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the agreement between multimodal imaging—MI (fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the detection of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with pigment epithelial detachment with subretinal/intraretinal fluid (PED+F) compared to patients with PED without subretinal/intraretinal fluid (PED‐F).

Methods

Twenty‐two eyes of 15 patients were divided into two groups (PED+F and PED‐F). All patients underwent MI and OCTA with manual and automatic segmentation. MI findings were compared to OCTA findings and then analysed.

Results

In the PED+F group (10 eyes), all studied eyes demonstrated CNV in MI. In manual segmentation OCTA assessment, 9 of 10 eyes (90%) were detected with CNV. When evaluated by automatic segmentation, 8 of 10 eyes (80%) revealed the presence of CNV. In the PED‐F (12 eyes) group, all eyes did not demonstrate CNV in MI and OCTA evaluations, either by manual or automatic segmentation. The agreement between MI and OCTA shows concordance (k: 0.908; 95% CI, 0.491–1.000); the evaluation of the agreement between the automatic and manual segmentation also shows concordance (k: 0.904; 95% CI, 0.488–1.000).

Conclusion

The solid agreement between the multimodal imaging regarding the ability of OCTA to identify possible initial CNV in a patient with PED‐F was observed. Accuracy was 95.45%. In addition, the agreement between manual and automatic segmentation to identify CNV on OCTA was also shown.
Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase in the rectal flora of patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy: a study of the prevalence in a major metropolitan hospital
Authors: Sewell James , Chow Ken , De Sousa Antonio , Sapre Nikhil , Norris Briony , Namdarian Benjamin , Sinickas Vincent , Huang James G. , Anderson Paul
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) in patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy, to assess the incidence of postoperative sepsis, to correlate the development of sepsis with the presence of preoperative ESBL on rectal swabs, and to assess the adequacy of prophylactic antibiotic guidelines in the context of local ESBL prevalence.

Methods

Patients undergoing transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital between January 2012 and July 2016 had rectal swabs taken immediately prior to TRUS with specific cultures to identify the presence of ESBL. Patients were given a prophylactic antibiotic, 500 mg oral ciprofloxacin, 1 h before the TRUS procedure. Data were collected prospectively, with retrospective review of all readmitted patient files and audit data to ensure complete capture of events.

Results

A total of 387 TRUS‐guided biopsy procedures were performed. Rectal swabs were correctly collected in 352 patients (91%). The median patient age was 65 years. In all, 25 (7%) ESBL‐positive swabs were identified. Most ESBL were Escherichia coli. Half (50%) of ESBL were resistant to ciprofloxacin and all were sensitive to meropenem. A small increase in ESBL prevalence over time was not significant (R2 = 0.35). Four patients (1.1%) were readmitted with sepsis; ESBL Pseudomonas had previously grown in one patient, but sepsis was attributable to non‐ESBL E. coli. In one of the readmitted patients ESBL E. coli was present, but this patient did not have ESBL preoperatively. There were no deaths or high‐dependency/intensive care unit admissions.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest Australian series to investigate ESBL prevalence, and reveals a rate lower than that of many other nations. Our sepsis rate is lower than many international series, perhaps because of our low ESBL rate and strict antibiotic prophylaxis. Preoperative swab results did not predict postoperative sepsis, and the process was therefore not useful for guiding antibiotic therapy. In this patient population, TRUS biopsy, with ciprofloxacin prophylaxis, remains a safe option for diagnostic prostate biopsy.
Pattern of cell‐to‐cell transfer of microRNA by gap junction and its effect on the proliferation of glioma cells
Authors: Peng Yuexia , Wang Xiyan , Guo Yunquan , Peng Fuhua , Zheng Ningze , He Bo , Ge Hui , Tao Liang , Wang Qin
Published: April 2019

MicroRNA is expected to be a novel therapeutic tool for tumors. Gap junctions facilitate the transfer of microRNA, which exerts biological effects on tumor cells. However, the length of microRNA that can pass through certain gap junctions composed of specific connexin remains unknown. To address this question, the present study investigated the permeability of gap junctions composed of various connexins, including connexin 43, connexin 32 or connexin 37, to microRNAs consisting of 18‐27 nucleotides in glioma cells and cervical cancer cells. Results indicated that all of the microRNAs were able to be transferred from donor glioma cells to neighboring cells through the connexin 43 composed gap junction, but not the gap junctions composed of connexin 32 or connexin 37, in cervical cancer cells. Downregulation of the function of gap junctions comprising connexin 43 by pharmacological inhibition and shRNA significantly decreased the transfer of these microRNAs. In contrast, gap junction enhancers and overexpression of connexin 43 effectively increased these transfers. In glioma cells, cell proliferation was inhibited by microRNA‐34a. Additionally, these effects of microRNA‐34a were significantly enhanced by overexpression of connexin 43 in U251 cells, indicating that gap junctions play an important role in the antitumor effect of microRNA by transfer of microRNA to neighboring cells. Our data are the first to clarify the pattern of microRNA transmission through gap junctions and provide novel insights to show that antitumor microRNAs should be combined with connexin 43 or a connexin 43 enhancer, not connexin 32 or connexin 37, in order to improve the therapeutic effect.
Structural and functional characterization of β2‐glycoprotein I domain 1 in anti‐melanoma cell migration
Authors: Leu Shr‐Jeng Jim , Lee Tzong‐Yi , Cheng Shu‐Wei , Tsai Meng‐Ying , Lin Yu‐Shan , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Huang Kai‐Yao , Chiang An‐Na
Published: April 2019

We previously found that circulating β2‐glycoprotein I inhibits human endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis by diverse mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor activities of β2‐glycoprotein I using structure‐function analysis and mapped the critical region within the β2‐glycoprotein I peptide sequence that mediates anticancer effects. We constructed recombinant cDNA and purified different β2‐glycoprotein I polypeptide domains using a baculovirus expression system. We found that purified β2‐glycoprotein I, as well as recombinant β2‐glycoprotein I full‐length (D12345), polypeptide domains I‐IV (D1234), and polypeptide domain I (D1) significantly inhibited melanoma cell migration, proliferation and invasion. Western blot analyses were used to determine the dysregulated expression of proteins essential for intracellular signaling pathways in B16‐F10 treated with β2‐glycoprotein I and variant recombinant polypeptides. Using a melanoma mouse model, we found that D1 polypeptide showed stronger potency in suppressing tumor growth. Structural analysis showed that fragments A and B within domain I would be the critical regions responsible for antitumor activity. Annexin A2 was identified as the counterpart molecule for β2‐glycoprotein I by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Interaction between specific amino acids of β2‐glycoprotein I D1 and annexin A2 was later evaluated by the molecular docking approach. Moreover, five amino acid residues were selected from fragments A and B for functional evaluation using site‐directed mutagenesis, and P11A, M42A, and I55P mutations were shown to disrupt the anti‐melanoma cell migration ability of β2‐glycoprotein I. This is the first study to show the therapeutic potential of β2‐glycoprotein I D1 in the treatment of melanoma progression.
Interventions for families with multiple problems: Similar contents but divergent formats
Authors: Visscher Loraine , Jansen Danielle E. M. C. , Evenboer K. Els , van Yperen Tom A. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Scholte Ron H. J.
Published: April 2019

For families with multiple problems (FMP), knowledge is lacking on the practice elements of interventions (the distinct techniques practitioners use to promote positive outcomes) and their program elements (intervention design and delivery systems). The aim of this study is to identify both common and specific practice and program elements so as to determine contents and overlap between interventions. For FMP, we selected interventions that had at least moderate (>0.5) effect sizes in the Dutch context (N = 8). A deductive content analysis was used to assess the manuals of these interventions with the taxonomy of interventions for FMP. We defined as common those elements found in at least five of the eight interventions and as specific those found in fewer than five. Of the practice elements, 79% were common across the interventions, and 21% were intervention specific. Interventions with the highest percentages of intervention‐specific elements derived from the taxonomy were 10 for the Future (15%), Family Central (14%), Intensive Family Therapy (14%), and Multisystemic therapy (11%). Core program elements: duration, intensity, intervision, supervision, and consultation, varied greatly between interventions. Among interventions for FMP, we found practice elements to have considerable overlap. Among program elements, we found greater variety.
Using text mining for personalization and recommendation for an enriched hybrid learning experience
Authors: Liu Lei , Vernica Rares , Hassan Tamir , Damera Venkata Niranjan
Published: April 2019

Students are nowadays given many options to consume educational content in digital formats as alternatives to printed material. Previous research suggests that while digital content has advantages, printed media still provides other benefits that cannot be matched by digital. Therefore, technology should leverage the benefits of both. In this paper, we present the Meaningful Education and Training Information System, a multifaceted hybrid textbook learning platform. The goal of the system is to provide an easy digital‐to‐print‐to‐digital content creation and reading service. The Meaningful Education and Training Information System incorporates technologies for layout, personalization, cocreation, and assessments. These facilitate common teacher/student tasks and help provide a richer, more effective learning experience. Our system has been demonstrated in multiple international education events, partner engagements, and pilots with local universities and high schools.
On the predictability of domain‐independent temporal planners
Authors: Cenamor Isabel , Vallati Mauro , Chrpa Lukáš
Published: April 2019

Temporal planning is a research discipline that addresses the problem of generating a totally or a partially ordered sequence of actions that transform the environment from some initial state to a desired goal state, while taking into account time constraints and actions' duration. For its ability to describe and address temporal constraints, temporal planning is of critical importance for a wide range of real‐world applications. Predicting the performance of temporal planners can lead to significant improvements in the area, as planners can then be combined in order to boost the performance on a given set of problem instances.

This paper investigates the predictability of the state‐of‐the‐art temporal planners by introducing a new set of temporal‐specific features and exploiting them for generating classification and regression empirical performance models (EPMs) of considered planners. EPMs are also tested with regard to their ability to select the most promising planner for efficiently solving a given temporal planning problem.

Our extensive empirical analysis indicates that the introduced set of features allows to generate EPMs that can effectively perform algorithm selection, and the use of EPMs is therefore a promising direction for improving the state of the art of temporal planning, hence fostering the use of planning in real‐world applications.
RETRACTED: Six2 promotes non–small cell lung cancer cell stemness via transcriptionally and epigenetically regulating E‐cadherin
Authors: Hou Huaying , Yu Xiaoming , Cong Ping , Zhou Yong , Xu Ying , Jiang Yuhua
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The roles and related mechanisms of six2 in regulating non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells progression are unclear. This work aimed to explore the roles of six2 in NSCLC cell stemness.

Materials and Methods

Kaplan‐Meier plotter analysis was used to examine the correlation between six2 expression and the survival of NSCLC patients. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot were performed to detect six2 expression in clinical samples. Moreover, transwell migration, tumour spheroid formation and in vivo tumour formation assays were used to examine the effects of six2 on NSCLC cell progression. Additionally, methylation analysis was carried out to measure E‐cadherin methylation level in different cells. Finally, cell viability assay was performed to explore the effects of six2 on chemotherapeutic sensitivity of NSCLC cells.

Results

Lung cancer patients with a higher six2 expression level displayed a shorter overall survival. Six2 expression was higher in lung cancer tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Additionally, six2 knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell stemness. Mechanistically, six2 overexpression inhibited epithelial marker E‐cadherin expression via stimulating its promoter methylation. And E‐cadherin knockdown rescued six2 knockdown‐induced decrease of NSCLC cancer cell stemness. Notably, six2 knockdown enhanced cisplatin sensitivity in parental NSCLC cells and attenuated cisplatin resistance in cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that six2 facilitates NSCLC cell stemness and attenuates chemotherapeutic sensitivity via suppressing E‐cadherin expression.
Hepatitis B core‐related antigen to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in heart transplant recipients with past HBV infection: A pilot study
Authors: Iossa Domenico , Vitrone Martina , Liotti Antonietta , Portella Giuseppe , Durante‐Mangoni Emanuele , Zampino Rosa
Published: April 2019

Hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) has been proposed as a new marker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. We analyzed HBcrAg dynamics in 15 heart transplant recipients with active or prior HBV infection and correlated it with quantitative (QT)‐HBsAg and HBV‐DNA pre‐ and post‐transplant. Serum HBcrAg was detected in HBsAg/HBV‐DNA‐positive subjects but not in recipients with past HBV infection. HBcrAg levels correlated with QT‐HBsAg in pre‐ and post‐transplant samples. In prior HBV infection, HBcrAg levels were unrelated to HBV‐DNA positivity. In heart transplant recipients with prior HBV infection, HBcrAg does not correlate with viral replication and cannot be applied to detect HBV reactivation during follow‐up.
Therapeutic patient education and self‐management support for patients with psoriasis – a systematic review
Authors: Dressler Corinna , Lambert Jo , Grine Lynda , Galdas Paul , Paul Carle , Zidane Miriam , Nast Alexander
Published: April 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Patient education may be one option to improve adherence and coping. The aim of this systematic review is to identify studies evaluating educational interventions for psoriasis patients. The review was conducted following the methods recommended by Cochrane. We searched seven databases, one trial register and three grey literature repositories. Data screening and extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0, ROBINS‐I, and NIH tools were used. Additionally, the APEASE criteria were applied. We evaluated 16 studies. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluated patient‐practitioner or patient‐nurse one‐to‐one interventions, one RCT assessed a web‐based intervention and three RCTs reported group interventions taking place frequently; one RCT reported one‐off group sessions. The remaining RCT compared the healthcare professionals involved. The risk of bias rating ranged from “some concerns” to “high”. Three RCTs found an effect. We included four controlled clinical trials (CCTs), one of which had an effect. One of the four before‐and‐after‐studies warrants further investigation. Despite similarities in delivery mode across the interventions, patients who were eligible and settings in which interventions were delivered differed. Interventions that included an individual (one‐to‐one) session appeared to be successful. Two interventions seem suitable for adaptation using APEASE: the topical treatment program and motivational interviewing after climate therapy.
Design, Didacticism, and the Dignity of People
Authors: Macdonald Nico
Published: April 2019

The early giants of design were people whose knowledge ran wide as well as deep. Design education needs to help students look beyond mere products to engage in big societal issues. That's what “design thinking” is for.

Design for people… means all the people. Not just the ones who agree with you.
The Rise of Design Dyslexia and How to Overcome It
Authors: Chew JiaYing , Lehtonen Miikka J. , Schilli Katharina S.
Published: April 2019

An intensive three‐week introductory course within Aalto University's International Design Business Management (IDBM) graduate program emphasizes the role of social and cultural context in design, characterized by ambiguous, open‐ended, complex environments. It teaches students that design is more than a simple matter of Post‐it Notes and double‐diamond diagrams.

Universities worldwide continue to attempt to integrate “design methodologies” into their curricula. What happens when non‐designers take their newfound knowledge into the messy real world?
On the Playground: Enabling Creativity and Risk Taking; What Would Nature Do? Biomimicry and Problem‐Solving
Authors: Bailey Beth , Smith Terry Fonda , Lindstrom Jeff , Vinton Betsy
Published: April 2019

Biomimicry, solar chimneys, a “makerspace,” and teaching kids about sustainability and design thinking at an independent day school in Rochester, NY.
Observations on the State of Design Education: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Vogel Craig M. , Wang Xi (Cecilia)
Published: April 2019

This educator challenges design schools to clarify their role as a branch of the “sciences of the artificial” and to explore how design can work with other existing and emerging branches.

Maintaining a sense of historical continuity—past, present, and future—within design education asks us: Where do we go from here?
Short‐term LPS induces aortic valve thickening in ApoE*3Leiden mice
Authors: van Broekhoven Amber , Krijnen Paul A. J. , Fuijkschot Wessel W. , Morrison Martine C. , Zethof Ilse P. A. , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Smulders Yvo M. , Niessen Hans W. M. , Vonk Alexander B. A.
Published: April 2019

Background

Recently, it was shown that 12 weeks of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to nonatherosclerotic mice induced thickening of the aortic heart valve (AV). Whether such effects may also occur even earlier is unknown. As most patients with AV stenosis also have atherosclerosis, we studied the short‐term effect of LPS on the AVs in an atherosclerotic mouse model.

Methods

ApoE*3Leiden mice, on an atherogenic diet, were injected intraperitoneally with either LPS or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and sacrificed 2 or 15 days later. AVs were assessed for size, fibrosis, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), lipids, calcium deposits, iron deposits and inflammatory cells.

Results

LPS injection caused an increase in maximal leaflet thickness at 2 days (128.4 µm) compared to PBS‐injected mice (67.8 µm; P = 0.007), whereas at 15 days this was not significantly different. LPS injection did not significantly affect average AV thickness on day 2 (37.8 µm), but did significantly increase average AV thickness at day 15 (41.6 µm; P = 0.038) compared to PBS‐injected mice (31.7 and 32.3 µm respectively). LPS injection did not affect AV fibrosis, GAGs and lipid content. Furthermore, no calcium deposits were found. Iron deposits, indicative for valve haemorrhage, were observed in one AV of the PBS‐injected group (a day 2 mouse; 9.1%) and in five AVs of the LPS‐injected group (both day 2‐ and 15 mice; 29.4%). No significant differences in inflammatory cell infiltration were observed upon LPS injection.

Conclusion

Short‐term LPS apparently has the potential to increase AV thickening and haemorrhage. These results suggest that systemic inflammation can acutely compromise AV structure.
Ascending vestibular pathways to parietal areas MIP and LIPv and efference copy inputs from the medial reticular formation: Functional frameworks for body representations updating and online movement guidance
Authors: Ugolini Gabriella , Prevosto Vincent , Graf Werner
Published: April 2019

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) serves as a sensorimotor interface by integrating multisensory signals with motor related information for generating and updating body representations and movement plans. Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus combined with a conventional tracer, we identified direct and polysynaptic pathways to two PPC areas, the rostral medial intraparietal area (MIP) and the ventral part of the lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) in macaque monkeys. We found that rostral MIP and LIPv receive ascending vestibular pathways, and putative efference copy inputs disynaptically from the medullary medial reticular formation (MRF) where reticulospinal pathways to neck and arm motoneurons originate. LIPv receives minor disynaptic vestibular inputs, and substantial projections from the head movement‐related rostral MRF, consistent with head gain modulation of LIPv activity and a role in planning gaze shifts. Rostral MIP is the target of prominent disynaptic pathways from reaching‐ and head movement‐related MRF domains, and major ascending vestibular pathways trisynaptically from both labyrinths, explaining prominent vestibular responses and discrimination between active and passive movements demonstrated in rostral MIP and in the neighboring ventral intraparietal area, which are heavily interconnected. The findings that rostral MIP (belonging to the ‘parietal reach region’), receives vestibular inputs as directly as classical vestibular areas, via a parallel channel, and efference copy signals pathways from MRF reticulospinal domains that belong to reach and head movement networks have important implications for the understanding of the role of the PPC in updating body representations and internal models for online guidance of movement.
No associations between medial temporal lobe volumes and verbal learning/memory in emerging psychosis
Authors: Egloff Laura , Lenz Claudia , Studerus Erich , Heitz Ulrike , Harrisberger Fabienne , Smieskova Renata , Schmidt André , Leanza Letizia , Andreou Christina , Borgwardt Stefan , Riecher‐Rössler Anita
Published: April 2019

Grey matter (GM) volume alterations have been repeatedly demonstrated in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). Some of these neuroanatomical abnormalities are already evident in the at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. Not only GM alterations but also neurocognitive impairments predate the onset of frank psychosis with verbal learning and memory (VLM) being among the most impaired domains. Yet, their interconnection with alterations in GM volumes remains ambiguous. Thus, we evaluated associations of different subcortical GM volumes in the medial temporal lobe with VLM performance in antipsychotic‐naïve ARMS and FEP patients. Data from 59 ARMS and 31 FEP patients, collected within the prospective Früherkennung von Psychosen study, were analysed. Structural T1‐weighted images were acquired using a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. VLM was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test and its factors Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory and Inaccurate Memory. FEP patients showed significantly enlarged volumes of hippocampus, pallidum, putamen and thalamus compared to ARMS patients. A significant negative association between amygdala and pallidum volume and Attention Span was found in ARMS and FEP patients combined, which however did not withstand correction for multiple testing. Although we found significant between‐group differences in subcortical volumes and VLM is among the most impaired cognitive domains in emerging psychosis, we could not demonstrate an association between low performance and subcortical GM volumes alterations in antipsychotic‐naïve patients. Hence, deficits in this domain do not appear to stem from alterations in subcortical structures.
Sustainable Masculinity in Ecumenical Perspective
Authors: Smit Peter‐Ben
Published: April 2019

Gender is an important topic of the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. It is the result of both theological anthropological concerns and the ongoing search for justice and peace. In other words, it is a typical area where traditional Faith and Order and Life and Work concerns coincide. Yet, gender is often taken to mean concerns of the role, rights, and treatment of women primarily, with some attention to the position and treatment of transgender persons and sexual minorities. This article argues that, precisely from the point of view of these ecumenical theological concerns, attention for masculinity as a gender is also required. The reason for this is that although many different forms of masculinity are supported with an appeal to the Christian tradition, not all forms of masculinity are compatible with a desire for safeguarding human dignity and a sustainable journey into the future.