bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global university rankings and their impact on the internationalisation of higher education
Authors: Hauptman Komotar Maruša
Published: April 2019

Global university rankings are a worldwide trend that emerged in times of the globalisation and internationalisation of higher education. Universities worldwide are now striving to become “world‐class” institutions and are constantly aiming to improve their ranking position. Global rankings of universities are thus perceived by many as an ultimate tool for assessing the level of internationalisation at individual higher education institutions. This article first discusses the meaning of and relationship between the globalisation and internationalisation of higher education, as their influence on the emergence of global rankings is undeniable. It then outlines the methodological designs of four main global university rankings which serve as key prerequisites for the subsequent analyses of both the international(‐isation) indicators that these rankings include and of the international ranking initiatives that focus exclusively on the international outlook of higher education institutions. In the concluding discussion, the article reveals that, due to the predominantly quantitative orientation of global university rankings (on the internationalisation of higher education), their results should not be generalised or understood as a means to improve the quality of (internationalisation of) higher education.
Fronto‐temporal vulnerability to disconnection in paediatric moderate and severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Molteni E. , Pagani E. , Strazzer S. , Arrigoni F. , Beretta E. , Boffa G. , Galbiati S. , Filippi M. , Rocca M. A.
Published: April 2019

Background

In patients with moderate and severe paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated the presence and severity of white matter (WM) tract damage, cortical lobar and deep grey matter (GM) atrophies, their interplay and their correlation with outcome rating scales.

Methods

Diffusion tensor (DT) and 3D T1‐weighted MRI scans were obtained from 22 TBI children (13 boys; mean age at insult = 11.6 years; 72.7% in chronic condition) and 31 age‐matched healthy children. Patients were tested with outcome rating scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). DT MRI indices were obtained from several supra‐ and infra‐tentorial WM tracts. Cortical lobar and deep GM volumes were derived. Comparisons between patients and controls, and between patients in acute (<6 months from the event) vs. chronic (≥6 months) condition were performed.

Results

Patients showed a widespread pattern of decreased WM FA and GM atrophy. Compared to acute, chronic patients showed severer atrophy in the right frontal lobe and reduced FA in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum (CC). Decreased axial diffusivity was observed in acute patients versus controls in the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus and CC. Chronic patients showed increased axial diffusivity in the same structures. Uncinate fasciculus DT MRI abnormalities correlated with atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Hippocampal atrophy correlated with reduced WISC scores, whereas putamen atrophy correlated with lower functional independence measure scores.

Conclusions

The study isolated a distributed fronto‐temporal network of structures particularly vulnerable to axonal damage and atrophy that may contribute to cognitive deficits following TBI.
Targeted hippocampal GABA neuron ablation by Stable Substance P–saporin causes hippocampal sclerosis and chronic epilepsy in rats
Authors: Chun Eugene , Bumanglag Argyle V. , Burke Sara N. , Sloviter Robert S.
Published: April 2019

Cryptogenic temporal lobe epilepsy develops in the absence of identified brain injuries, infections, or structural malformations, and in these cases, an unidentified pre‐existing abnormality may initiate febrile seizures, hippocampal sclerosis, and epilepsy. Although a role for GABAergic dysfunction in epilepsy is intuitively obvious, no causal relationship has been established. In this study, hippocampal GABA neurons were targeted for selective elimination to determine whether a focal hippocampal GABAergic defect in an otherwise normal brain can initiate cryptogenic temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis. We used Stable Substance P–saporin conjugate (SSP‐saporin) to target rat hippocampal GABA neurons, which selectively and constitutively express the neurokinin‐1 receptors that internalize this neurotoxin. Bilateral and longitudinally extensive intrahippocampal microinjections of SSP‐saporin caused no obvious behavioral effects for several days. However, starting ~4 days postinjection, rats exhibited episodes of immobilization, abnormal flurries of “wet‐dog” shakes, and brief focal motor seizures characterized by facial automatisms and forepaw clonus. These clinically subtle behaviors stopped after ~4 days. Convulsive status epilepticus did not develop, and no deaths occurred. Months later, chronically implanted rats exhibited spontaneous focal motor seizures and extreme hippocampal sclerosis. These data suggest that hippocampal GABAergic dysfunction is epileptogenic and can produce the defining features of cryptogenic temporal lobe epilepsy.
Intra‐industry bankruptcy contagion: Evidence from the pricing of industry recovery rates
Authors: Chang Yuanchen , Hsieh Yi‐Ting , Liu Wenchien , Miu Peter
Published: April 2019

How does bankruptcy contagion propagate among industry peers? We study the debt recovery channel of industry contagion by examining whether the cost of a company's debt is affected by the observed recovery rates of its bankrupt industry peers. Our results show that lower industry recovery rates are associated with higher loan spreads, but only when the contracts were originated during industry bankruptcy waves. Consistent with the debt recovery channel of industry contagion, we find that the negative effects of industry recovery rates are significantly stronger under situations where the effect is expected to be more salient.
Suspected hepatic amyloidosis in a horse
Authors: Dias Moreira A. S. , Dreyfus J. M. , Peek S. F.
Published: April 2019

A 9‐year‐old Saddlebred gelding was referred to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for decreased energy levels, weight loss, persistently elevated liver enzymes, hyperglobulinaemia and leukocytosis. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large volume of peritoneal fluid of mixed echogenicity, and the presence of focally distributed, circular to oval (approximately 1–2 cm), hyperechoic areas within the parenchyma of an enlarged liver. Cytological analysis of the peritoneal fluid revealed sterile neutrophilic/macrophagic inflammation, with haemosiderophages. A liver biopsy confirmed the presence of hepatic amyloidosis and focal fibrosis. Medical therapy with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for 30 days and long‐term dexamethasone was associated with both a clinical and biochemical response for 7 months, at which time the horse died from presumed hepatic rupture. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing potential successful management of hepatic amyloidosis in a horse.
The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles: A pilot study
Authors: Roost L. , Ellis A. D. , Morris C. , Bondi A. , Gandy E. A. , Harris P. , Dyson S.
Published: April 2019

There is limited scientific evidence concerning the effect of rider weight on pressures under the saddle and equine performance. The objective of this prospective, crossover, randomised trial was to assess pressure distribution and magnitude in horses ridden by four riders of similar ability but differing in bodyweight and height. Six horses in regular work were ridden by four riders (rider bodyweight: horse body weight percentage > 10 ≤ 12 [L = Light], > 12 ≤ 15 [M = Moderate], > 15 ≤ 18 [H = Heavy] and > 20 [VH = Very Heavy]), performing a purpose‐designed dressage test (30 min). The test was abandoned for ≥ grade 3/8 lameness or ≥ 10 behavioural markers (assessed in real‐time). A calibrated force mat (Pliance) was used to record pressures under the saddle in walk, trot and canter on left and right reins. Rider position was assessed. All 13 H and VH tests and one of 12 M rider tests were abandoned (lameness, n  =  12; behaviour, n  =  1). At walk, the seat of riderVHextended beyond the cantle of the saddle; rider H sat on the cantle of the saddle. At trot and canter the heels of riderVHwere consistently cranial to the tubera coxae and shoulders. Pressures were significantly higher under the caudal aspect of the saddle compared with cranially for riderVHin walk (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni). At rising trot pressures were higher cranially for riders L, M and H (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni), but were similar cranially and caudally for riderVH. The highest maximum peak pressure was recorded for riderVHin canter. A limitation was that speed can alter pressure measurements, but was not controlled or recorded. We concluded that there were differences in magnitude and distribution of pressures among the four riders according to their size, which may have contributed to the development of musculoskeletal pain. This may also have been influenced by saddle fit for riders and their positions.
Ecology of sound communication in fishes
Authors: Ladich Friedrich
Published: April 2019

Fishes communicate acoustically under ecological constraints which may modify or hinder signal transmission and detection and may also be risky. This makes it important to know if and to what degree fishes can modify acoustic signalling when key ecological factors—predation pressure, noise and ambient temperature—vary. This paper reviews short‐time effects of the first two factors; the third has been reviewed recently (Ladich, ). Numerous studies have investigated the effects of predators on fish behaviour, but only a few report changes in calling activity when hearing predator calls as demonstrated when fish responded to played‐back dolphin sounds. Furthermore, swimming sounds of schooling fish may affect predators. Our knowledge on adaptations to natural changes in ambient noise, for example caused by wind or migration between quiet and noisier habitats, is limited. Hearing abilities decrease when ambient noise levels increase (termed masking), in particular in taxa possessing enhanced hearing abilities. High natural and anthropogenic noise regimes, for example vessel noise, alter calling activity in the field and laboratory. Increases in sound pressure levels (Lombard effect) and altered temporal call patterns were also observed, but no switches to higher sound frequencies. In summary, effects of predator calls and noise on sound communication are described in fishes, yet sparsely in contrast to songbirds or whales. Major gaps in our knowledge on potential negative effects of noise on acoustic communication call for more detailed investigation because fishes are keystone species in many aquatic habitats and constitute a major source of protein for humans.
Age‐induced oxidative stress impairs adipogenesis and thermogenesis in brown fat
Authors: Cui Xianwei , Xiao Wen , You Lianghui , Zhang Fan , Cao Xinguo , Feng Jie , Shen Dan , Li Yun , Wang Yan , Ji Chenbo , Guo Xirong
Published: April 2019

It is well‐established that the mass and function of human brown adipose tissue (BAT) declines with age. A key factor involved in age‐related impairment of BAT is oxidative stress; however, there is a paucity of studies to date that have explored this relationship. Here, we characterized the age‐related molecular and functional alterations in BAT in vivo in mice of different ages, and treated human brown adipocytes with H2O2 to dissect the direct effect of oxidative stress in vitro. We further explored the structural and functional changes in BAT in an oxidative stress‐induced mouse model of aging. We found that the progressive deterioration of BAT was linked to oxidative stress, and observed that the adipogenesis and thermogenic program were significantly impaired upon H2O2 treatment in vitro. Moreover, antioxidant supplementation (e.g., vitamin E) attenuated oxidative stress and rescued BAT activity decline, suggesting that age‐related injury in BAT function can be partly alleviated by antioxidant treatment. Finally, we found that oxidative stress‐induced BAT dysfunction is linked to the enhancement of autophagy. These results point to oxidative stress as being an important factor in age‐dependent functional impairment of BAT.
Oligopolistic suppliers, symbiotic value chains and workers' bargaining power: labour contestation in South China at an ascendant global footwear firm
Authors: KUMAR ASHOK
Published: April 2019

In this article, I analyse changes in the power relationship between lead firms, manufacturers and workers by examining a strike that took place in South China in 2014 among workers at the Taiwanese footwear giant, Yue Yuen. In the process, I demonstrate that there is a link between increased labour costs, capital consolidation and greater value capture at the bottom of the global supply chain. I argue that footwear value chains are seeing a falling level of monopsony power and the emergence of enormous oligopolistic suppliers, which are transforming the power imbalances of global supply chains towards a more mutually dependent ‘buyer–producer symbiosis’. The Yue Yuen strike shows a maturing industrial working class, facing pressures on social reproduction in China, adapting its bargaining strategies vis‐à‐vis the developmental state. Influxes of profit raise the ceiling for what can be demanded of employers, stimulating those same employers to pursue more aggressive means of holding onto their profits. The example of the Yue Yuen strike is an indicator of what are fundamental changes in the production process, dynamics within the value chain, and power and agency of workers in labour‐intensive production. The strike demonstrates that consolidation is playing a decisive role in shaping the power relationship between domestic manufacturers and transnational brands, which, in turn, is directly affecting the bargaining power of workers.
Influence of core‐shell structure on the cure depth in photopolymerizable alumina dispersion
Authors: Wieclaw‐Midor Anna , Falkowski Pawel , Szafran Mikolaj
Published: April 2019

The heterogeneous nucleation‐and‐growth processing was used to obtain core‐shell particles based on alpha alumina core with silica layer. Presence of silica shell was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential measurement. The coverage of aluminum oxide surface by SiO2 improved a cure of the depth of photopolymerizable ceramic dispersion around 20%. The proposed surface modification enables the production of thicker cured layer which is favorable for additive manufacturing methods such as stereolithography. Thus, the number of layers that have to be printed to form the 3D object might significantly decrease, thereby reducing time and costs of fabrication.
Silica‐based ceramic core for aviation applications: Facile pore filling and flexural strength improvement
Authors: Chen Xiao , Han Jiqing , Zhang Wu , Zhang Li , Liu Chunming
Published: April 2019

The effect of alumina addition on the pore filling process, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of silica‐based ceramic cores was investigated. The sintered samples at 1250°C were treated at 1550°C for 0.5 hour in order to simulate a casting process condition. The microstructure analysis indicated that an appropriate alumina addition enhanced the pore filling process by supplying a substantial liquid viscous flow. With an increase in the liquid viscous flow, smaller pores were filled first, and larger pores were filled later. The results also indicated that the pore filling process could be enhanced by adding small powder additives to decrease the pore size between the particles in the ceramic material. However, an excessive alumina addition in the silica‐based ceramic cores had a negative effect on the flexural strength and leaching rate. As the alumina content increased from 8 to 12 wt%, the flexural strength of the ceramic core decreased from 16.37 to 4.60 MPa, respectively, and the leaching rate also decreased obviously. These results were explained by an acceleration in crystallization trend of the fused silica particle surface and the merging of connected pores in the sintered body.
Association of antioxidants and vitamin D level with inflammation in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Daniluk Urszula , Filimoniuk Aleksandra , Kowalczuk‐Krystoń Monika , Alifier Marek , Karpińska Joanna , Kaczmarski Maciej G. , Lebensztejn Dariusz M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Changing the resources of vitamin D and antioxidant nutrients may affect the course of allergic diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between CoQ10, vitamin D, retinol, andα‐tocopherol serum levels and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.

Methods

Twenty‐nine children withADaged from 1 to 15 years were enrolled into the study. The severity ofADwas categorized into mild or moderate (≤50 points inSCORAD– Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index) and severe (>50SCORADpoints). The control group was comprised of 22 children with negative history of allergy aged from 2 to 15. The serum measurements included vitamin D, retinol,α‐tocopherol, CoQ10, C‐reactive protein (CRP), complete blood count (CBC), and total immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Results

Low vitamin D concentration (<20 ng/ml) was observed mainly in patients with severeAD(77.8%), compared to children with mild or moderateAD(25%) or the control group (31.8%). Concentration of retinol was decreased significantly in patients with severeAD(median 1.32 μmol/l), compared to children with mild and moderateAD(median 1.66 μmol/l), but not to the control. Among inflammatory markers, only the group with severeADdemonstrated significantly elevated platelet count (PLT), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and eosinophil count (EO). Retinol level correlated withPLT(R = −0.7;P = 0.003), white blood count (WBC) (R = −0.54;P = 0.01), total IgE (R = −0.51;P = 0.016), mean platelet volume (MPV) (R = 0.51;P = 0.02), and also with a disease severity index,SCORAD(R = −0.55;P = 0.007), whereas vitamin D level correlated only withMPV(R = 0.61;P = 0.003). No significant changes were found in tocopherol and CoQ10 levels between groups.

Conclusions

Children withADshould be routinely tested for vitamin D deficiency, especially during disease exacerbation. Our results confirmed correlation of serum inflammatory markers with decreased concentration of vitamin A in children withAD. This finding, however, might be an effect of severe stage of disease and not only of inadequate intake of retinol in the diet.
Nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, phytochemistry and evaluation of the effects of Carya illinoinensis on diabetes
Authors: Santos Lorenna Lino , De Almeida Pedro Costa Lima , Rodrigues Carla Aparecida , De Battisti Luís Felipe Franco , Costa Lellis Henrique , Bastos Renan Gomes , De Oliveira Carla Miguel , Ferraz Vany Perpétua , Moraes Ana Lúcia Leite , Paula Hudsara Aparecida de Almeida , Paula Fernanda Borges de Araújo , Silva Marcelo José Dias , Vilegas Wagner , Veiga Sandra Maria Oliveira Morais , Da Silva Amorim Ana Flávia , Da Silva Geraldo Alves , Da Silva Marcelo Aparecido
Published: April 2019

The increase in chronic diseases has arisen interest to search for alternative treatments so that people can improve their quality of life. Thus, Carya illinoinensis is the subject of the present work which aims at determining whether it has antidiabetic activity. The plant was collected and its nuts were separated from their peels, dried and grinded and incorporated into the feed, in concentration of 6% and 10%, for the treatment of animals. The centesimal composition of this diet was also determined. From the nut was also obtained the fixed oil, for the profile of fatty acids, and the 70% hydroethanolic extract for the phytochemical analysis. The results have shown that species presents hypoglycaemic effect, high fat composition of unsaturated fatty acids and the presence of some phenolic compounds, directly related to the antidiabetic activity. Therefore, the specie presente benefits that can contribute to the binomial diet/health.
Rituximab therapy in interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fui Annalisa , Bergantini Laura , Selvi Enrico , Mazzei Maria A. , Bennett David , Pieroni Maria G. , Rottoli Paola , Bargagli Elena
Published: April 2019

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease. In this disease, interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is associated with high risk of mortality. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20, is effective in the treatment of articular manifestations in RA while controversial results have been reported on rituximab efficacy in RA‐ILD patients.

Aims

To describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of 28 patients with RA‐ILD and analyse the efficacy of anti‐CD20 therapy in 14 RA‐ILD patients treated with this drug for more than 1 year.

Results

In our population, high resolution computed tomography features revealed usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in 15/28 (54%) of patients, non‐specific interstitial pneumonia in 8/28 (29%) patients, other patients presented fibroelastosis and nodular fibrotic patterns. Higher mortality rate was observed in RA patients with radiological UIP pattern compared to those with different radiological patterns, although our patients with RA associated with radiological UIP pattern had a longer survival (7 years from ILD diagnosis) compared with literature data (3–5 years from ILD diagnosis). Half of our patients were treated with rituximab and they had a progressive reduction of lung function parameters. After 6 and 12 months of anti‐CD20 therapy, our patients presented a stabilisation of lung function parameters.

Conclusion

Our study supported the theory that patients with RA and radiological UIP pattern at computed tomography scan presented the worst survival; rituximab therapy seems to be effective stabilising ILD involvement and lung function deterioration.
‘Cold and lonely’: emergency presentations of patients with hypothermia to a large Australian health network
Authors: Forcey Dana S. , FitzGerald Melissa P. , Burggraf Millicent K. , Nagalingam Vathy , Ananda‐Rajah Michelle R.
Published: April 2019

Background

Extreme heat is a public health priority in Australia with the health effects of cold poorly studied. A record‐breaking cold winter prompted an institutional investigation into the epidemiology and outcomes of hypothermic presentations.

Aims

To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hypothermic emergency presentations including patient outcomes as well as gaps in practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort observational study of hypothermic emergency presentations between 7 July 2009 and 1 September 2016 with a temperature of ≤35°C. Independent predictors for inpatient mortality and characteristics of exposure versus non‐exposure presentations were evaluated.

Results

There were 217 patients with 226 presentations comprising male gender in 54%, median age 76.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 53–88) and median initial temperature 33.3°C (IQR 31.2–34.3°C). Non‐exposure presentations being found indoors, accounted for 78% overall, with elderly persons ≥65 years (P = 0.002) and multimorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index ≥4, P = 0.013) overrepresented in this subgroup. Among the non‐exposure cohort, 55% were pensioners and 42% lived alone. Inpatient mortality was 11% overall and significantly higher in non‐exposure versus exposure cohorts (16 vs 2%, P = 0.01). Independent predictors of inpatient mortality included heart failure (P = 0.04), metastatic malignancy (P < 0.01), chronic kidney disease (P < 0.05) and sepsis (P < 0.01). In contrast, exposure‐related presentations were characterised by younger patients with intoxication due to alcohol and/or illicit drugs and psychiatric comorbidity.

Conclusions

Hypothermia is a marker of clinical and socioeconomic vulnerability. The dominant presentation of the elderly patient with multimorbidity, and few social supports being found indoors, raises broader questions around the social determinants of health.
System dynamics simulation‐based model for coordination of a three‐level spare parts supply chain
Authors: Zhao Qiuhong , Chang Ran , Ma Jun , Wu Chengfeng
Published: April 2019

In some spare parts distribution systems for consumption goods, a portion of consumers’ demand is met by inventories in maintenance outlets, while the remaining portion is satisfied with emergency orders from the supplier, which can enhance customers’ satisfaction but cause added order‐processing costs and transportation costs. Faced with the trade‐off between the supplier's and outlet's profits, it is highly crucial to design and coordinate a supply chain in a way that determines to what extent each level should hold inventories by considering classification of spare parts. Therefore, in this paper, a system dynamics approach is used to design a three‐level supply chain simulation model consisting of one business unit, one distribution center, and one maintenance outlet. The business unit and distribution center belong to one company, so we consider them as one supplier. Therefore, we focus on the coordination between the distribution center and the maintenance outlet. The objective is to propose a contract to enhance these two parties’ profits. Through numerical analysis, we provide a contract with which the spare parts in class A are differentiated in their normal and emergency procurement prices and the spare parts in class B and class C have a prescribed customer service level. Using this type of contract, both distribution center's and maintenance outlet's profits can be enhanced, and the management process can be simplified.
Electrical fatigue failure in (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 relaxor ceramics
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Shi Xi , Jones Jacob , Hoffman Mark
Published: April 2019

Many devices containing ferroelectric ceramics are subjected to different loading conditions and cycles, and lack of adequate long‐term reliability studies is a major concern. Here, we explore a (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 solid solution and study electrical fatigue as a function of amplitude, temperature, frequency, and static offset voltage (dc bias). This is expected to act as a guide for other similar material systems. Empirical relationships to quantify the dependence of fatigue on these parameters are presented. With electric field amplitude (Emax), the number of cycles to fatigue failure (Nfail) varies as: Emax × = C, where a and C are constants whose values are different when the field amplitude is below and above the coercive field. With changes in temperature, Nfail exhibits an activated behavior and follows an Arrhenius relationship with an activation energy of 0.7 eV at an amplitude above the coercive field. In the absence of self‐heating, a power law relationship is observed between Nfail and frequency of fatigue cycles at an amplitude above the coercive field. On applying a dc bias, Nfail increases by an order of magnitude, an observation that is attributed to domain switching effects. A majority of the above‐mentioned effects have been explained in terms of the motion of domain walls under a given fatigue condition and their interaction with point defects.
History of malignancy and relevant symptoms may predict a positive computed tomography enterography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeds
Authors: Leung Kristel K , Khan Usman , Zhang Mei , McCurdy Jeffrey D , James Paul D
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of computed tomography enterography (CTE) and identify factors associated with a diagnostic CTE for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed at a Canadian tertiary care center from 2005 to 2015. A total of 138 patients underwent a CTE for OGIB. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with a diagnostic CTE. A highly sensitive clinical rule was then developed to help identify OGIB patients for whom a CTE may be beneficial in their clinical work‐up.

Results

A possible bleeding source was identified in 30 (22%) cases. The presence of abdominal or constitutional symptoms as well as history of colorectal cancer was significantly associated with a positive CTE in univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.05). A positive CTE could be predicted based on the presence of abdominal or constitutional symptoms and history of colorectal cancer with 90% sensitivity (95% CI 74–98%) in our population.

Conclusion

CTE identified a possible source of OGIB in one in five cases. In patients with the presence of abdominal or constitutional symptoms and a personal history of colorectal cancer, CTE may contribute to their diagnostic work‐up.
Improvement of hyponatremia in cirrhosis is associated with improved complex information processing
Authors: Watson Hugh , Guevara Monica , Vilstrup Hendrik , Ginès Pere
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Hyponatremia, a cause of brain dysfunction and risk factor for hepatic encephalopathy, is frequent in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. The interdependence of liver failure and hyponatremia makes it difficult to separate the effects of each on cognitive function. The objective was to assess whether an increase in plasma sodium in patients with cirrhosis and ascites leads to an improvement in cognitive function.

Methods

This is a post‐hoc analysis of 250 cirrhosis patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy randomized to receive either placebo or satavaptan, a vasopressin V2 antagonist. The exposure was plasma sodium, and the outcome was the trail‐making test (TMT) parts A and B, which assesses speed of information processing, performed before the study starts and after 14 days. The results were analyzed by initial and change to final sodium concentration.

Results

At entry, the patients with normonatremia exhibited better results on both the TMT‐A (median 56 vs 77.5 s for patients with sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L [P = 0.0059]) and the TMT‐B (median 127 vs 170 s for patients with sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L [P = 0.0066]), unrelated to age. Improvement of hyponatremia was more common in patients who received satavaptan (59.7%) than placebo (18.5%). Correction of hyponatremia did not shorten the simple TMT‐A but markedly improved the complex TMT‐B by an average of 20 s compared with 6.5 s in those with continuing hyponatremia (P = 0.02). Liver status measures remained stable during the period reported.

Conclusions

These data suggest that improvement of hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis leads to an increase in the speed of complex information processing.
A review of protection against exposome factors impacting facial skin barrier function with 89% mineralizing thermal water
Authors: Salsberg Jennifer , Andriessen Anneke , Abdulla Sonya , Ahluwalia Renita , Beecker Jennifer , Sander Megan , Schachter Jordana
Published: April 2019

Background

The skin exposome refers to the constellation of external exposures that contribute to cutaneous aging, including solar radiation, air pollution, tobacco smoke, unbalanced nutrition, and cosmetic products. This review explores the skin exposome and the role of a combination hyaluronic acid and mineralized thermal water product used to restore and maintain optimal skin barrier function.

Method

An expert panel of 7 dermatologists who treat clinical signs of facial aging convened for a one‐day meeting to discuss the results of a literature review on the skin exposome and the role of M89, a mineralized thermal water and hyaluronic acid‐based gel, to improve the quality of facial skin. Evidence coupled with expert opinion and experience of the panel was used to address clinical challenges in the treatment of photo‐aging, and the use of M89.

Results

Solar radiation (ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation), air pollution, tobacco smoke, nutrition, and miscellaneous factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, and temperature, may potentiate skin aging by triggering molecular processes that damage skin structure. M89 was developed to maintain and restore skin and contains ingredients to aid physical, hydric, antioxidant, and antimicrobial skin barrier function.

Conclusions

Increasing knowledge of the exposome and microenvironment contributing to skin aging may support a better understanding of measures to support the skin. The initial results of in vitro and clinical studies of M89 show its potential to improve skin barrier function.
Modelling human pathology of traumatic brain injury in animal models
Authors: Risling M. , Smith D. , Stein T. D. , Thelin E. P. , Zanier E. R. , Ankarcrona M. , Nilsson P.
Published: April 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a head impact with a force exceeding regular exposure from normal body movement which the brain normally can accommodate. People affected include, but are not restricted to, sport athletes in American football, ice hockey, boxing as well as military personnel. Both single and repetitive exposures may affect the brain acutely and can lead to chronic neurodegenerative changes including chronic traumatic encephalopathy associated with the development of dementia. The changes in the brain following TBI include neuroinflammation, white matter lesions, and axonal damage as well as hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein. Even though the human brain gross anatomy is different from rodents implicating different energy transfer upon impact, especially rotational forces, animal models of TBI are important tools to investigate the changes that occur upon TBI at molecular and cellular levels. Importantly, such models may help to increase the knowledge of how the pathologies develop, including the spreading of tau pathologies, and how to diagnose the severity of the TBI in the clinic. In addition, animal models are helpful in the development of novel biomarkers and can also be used to test potential disease‐modifying compounds in a preclinical setting.
When Do Expert Teams Fail to Create Impactful Inventions?
Authors: Schillebeeckx Simon J. D. , Lin Yimin , George Gerard
Published: April 2019

We investigate the salience of expertise in creating high impact inventions and question experts’ ability to deploy novel ideas. Specifically, we examine the relationships between expertise, component originality, and a team's structural holes’ position in the collaborative network and propose that, in relative terms, expert teams create lower impact inventions if they deploy more original components and if they occupy structural holes. We test and confirm our hypotheses in a sample of semiconductor firms. In post‐hoc analyses, we find a three‐way interaction where the negative effect of structural holes almost disappears when an expert team experiments with original components whereas an increase in non‐redundancy is detrimental when teams with high expertise use familiar components. Our findings inform a foundational view of the invention process and provide novel insights into the contingent benefits of domain expertise.
Impact of recanalization of chronic total occlusion on left ventricular electrical remodeling
Authors: Yamashita Kennosuke , Igawa Wataru , Ono Morio , Kido Takehiko , Okabe Toshitaka , Isomura Naoei , Araki Hiroshi , Ochiai Masahiko
Published: April 2019

Background

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) is associated with reduction of cardiac mortality, as well as reducing fatal ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of recanalization of CTO on endocardial left ventricular voltages by paired electrophysiological studies.

Methods

Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent PCI for de novo CTO lesions were included. High‐density mapping was performed during sinus rhythm before and 8 months after PCI. According to the amplitude of bipolar electrograms, the left ventricular endocardium was classified into a preserved normal voltage (>1.5 mV), border zone (0.5–1.5 mV), and dense scar areas (<0.5 mV).

Results

The border zone area had a significant positive correlation with CTO length, as well as a significant negative correlation observed in the preserved voltage region. In the successful PCI patient, the median dense scar area did not change significantly (reported as [median difference: 95% confidence interval]) between baseline and after PCI (0.1 cm2: –2.8 to 2.9). However, the area of the border zone decreased (–10.5 cm2: –16.8 to –4.1) and the preserved voltage area increased significantly (19.2 cm2: 7.7–30.6). In addition, successful PCI was related to slight, but significant, increase in the amplitude of unipolar and bipolar voltage (1.55 mV: 0.88–3.33, 0.23 mV: 0.08–0.36).

Conclusions

Recanalization of CTO may promote reverse electrical remodeling in the border zone of the left ventricle, without affecting the dense scar tissue.
BBX16, a B‐box protein, positively regulates light‐induced anthocyanin accumulation by activating MYB10 in red pear
Authors: Bai Songling , Tao Ruiyan , Tang Yinxin , Yin Lei , Ma Yunjing , Ni Junbei , Yan Xinhui , Yang Qinsong , Wu Zhongying , Zeng Yanling , Teng Yuanwen
Published: April 2019

The red coloration of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) results from anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit peel. Light is required for anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear. A pear homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana BBX22, PpBBX16, was differentially expressed after fruits were removed from bags and may be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here, the expression and function of PpBBX16 were analysed. PpBBX16's expression was highly induced by white‐light irradiation, as was anthocyanin accumulation. PpBBX16's ectopic expression in Arabidopsis increased anthocyanin biosynthesis in the hypocotyls and tops of flower stalks. PpBBX16 was localized in the nucleus and showed trans‐activity in yeast cells. Although PpBBX16 could not directly bind to the promoter of PpMYB10 or PpCHS in yeast one‐hybrid assays, the complex of PpBBX16/PpHY5 strongly trans‐activated anthocyanin pathway genes in tobacco. PpBBX16's overexpression in pear calli enhanced the red coloration during light treatments. Additionally, PpBBX16's transient overexpression in pear peel increased anthocyanin accumulation, while virus‐induced gene silencing of PpBBX16 decreased anthocyanin accumulation. The expression patterns of pear BBX family members were analysed, and six additional BBX genes, which were differentially expressed during light‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis, were identified. Thus, PpBBX16 is a positive regulator of light‐induced anthocyanin accumulation, but it could not directly induce the expression of the anthocyanin biosynthesis‐related genes by itself but needed PpHY5 to gain full function. Our work uncovered regulatory modes for PpBBX16 and suggested the potential functions of other pear BBX genes in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation, thereby providing target genes for further studies on anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Validation of leaf and microbial pectinases: commercial launching of a new platform technology
Authors: Daniell Henry , Ribeiro Thuanne , Lin Shina , Saha Prasenjit , McMichael Colleen , Chowdhary Rashmi , Agarwal Anshika
Published: April 2019

Almost all current genetically modified plant commercial products are derived from seeds. The first protein product made in leaves for commercial use is reported here. Leaf pectinases are validated here with eight liquid commercial microbial enzyme products for textile or juice industry applications. Leaf pectinases are functional in broad pH/temperature ranges as crude leaf extracts, while most commercial enzyme products showed significant loss at alkaline pH or higher temperature, essential for various textile applications. In contrast to commercial liquid enzymes requiring cold storage/transportation, leaf pectinase powder was stored up to 16 months at ambient temperature without loss of enzyme activity. Commercial pectinase products showed much higher enzyme protein PAGE than crude leaf extracts with comparable enzyme activity without protease inhibitors. Natural cotton fibre does not absorb water due to hydrophobic nature of waxes and pectins. After bioscouring with pectinase, measurement of contact‐angle water droplet absorption by the FAMAS videos showed 33 or 63 (leaf pectinase), 61 or 64 (commercial pectinase) milliseconds, well below the 10‐second industry requirements. First marker‐free lettuce plants expressing pectinases were also created by removal of the antibiotic resistance aadA gene. Leaf pectinase powder efficiently clarified orange juice pulp similar to several microbial enzyme products. Commercial pilot scale biomass production of tobacco leaves expressing different pectinases showed that hydroponic growth at Fraunhofer yielded 10 times lower leaf biomass per plant than soil‐grown plants in the greenhouse. Pectinase enzyme yield from the greenhouse plants was double that of Fraunhofer. Thus, this leaf‐production platform offers a novel, low‐cost approach for enzyme production by elimination of fermentation, purification, concentration, formulation and cold chain.
Validation of leaf enzymes in the detergent and textile industries: launching of a new platform technology
Authors: Kumari Uma , Singh Rahul , Ray Tui , Rana Seema , Saha Prasenjit , Malhotra Karan , Daniell Henry
Published: April 2019

Chemical catalysts are being replaced by biocatalysts in almost all industrial applications due to environmental concerns, thereby increasing their demand. Enzymes used in current industries are produced in microbial systems or plant seeds. We report here five newly launched leaf‐enzyme products and their validation with 15 commercial microbial‐enzyme products, for detergent or textile industries. Enzymes expressed in chloroplasts are functional at broad pH/temperature ranges as crude‐leaf extracts, while most purified commercial enzymes showed significant loss at alkaline pH or higher temperature, required for broad range commercial applications. In contrast to commercial liquid enzymes requiring cold storage/transportation, chloroplast enzymes as a leaf powder can be stored up to 16 months at ambient temperature without loss of enzyme activity. Chloroplast‐derived enzymes are stable in crude‐leaf extracts without addition of protease inhibitors. Leaf lipase/mannanase crude extracts removed chocolate or mustard oil stains effectively at both low and high temperatures. Moreover, leaf lipase or mannanase crude‐extracts removed stain more efficiently at 70 °C than commercial microbial enzymes (<10% activity). Endoglucanase and exoglucanase in crude leaf extracts removed dye efficiently from denim surface and depilled knitted fabric by removal of horizontal fibre strands. Due to an increased demand for enzymes in the food industry, marker‐free lettuce plants expressing lipase or cellobiohydrolase were created for the first time and site‐specific transgene integration/homoplasmy was confirmed by Southern blots. Thus, leaf‐production platform offers a novel low‐cost approach by the elimination of fermentation, purification, concentration, formulation and cold‐chain storage/transportation. This is the first report of commercially launched protein products made in leaves and validated with current commercial products.
Characterizing the Bioluminescence of the Humboldt Squid, Dosidicus gigas (d'Orbigny, 1835): One of the Largest Luminescent Animals in the World
Authors: Galeazzo Gabriela A. , Mirza Jeremy D. , Dorr Felipe A. , Pinto Ernani , Stevani Cassius V. , Lohrmann Karin B. , Oliveira Anderson G.
Published: April 2019

Bioluminescence is found in a number of cephalopods, such as Watasenia scintillans and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis; however, many species remain poorly studied, including the Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas. This is the largest member of the Ommastrephidae family and grows to 2 m in length, making it one of the largest luminescent animals ever observed. Humboldt squid have small photophores all over their body that emit a brilliant blue luminescence. Using lyophilized photophores from squid caught off the coast of Chile, experiments were conducted to isolate the luciferin and protein involved in its bioluminescence. Methanolic extracts of the photophores were shown to contain dehydrocoelenterazine, and a membrane‐bound photoprotein was shown to be involved. This photoprotein was purified using ion exchange chromatography, and SDS‐PAGE showed a clean band of approximately 60 kDa. The excised band was analyzed by LC/MS, and the obtained data were compared against the transcriptome data of D. gigas, allowing us to find two gene products which displayed high coverage (>80%), the enzymes symplectin and vanin‐2, which potentially associate with light emission process in this organism. Finally, the purified photoprotein was shown to emit a blue light (470 nm) in the presence of dehydrocoelenterazine.
Characteristics and distribution of Colletotrichum species in coffee plantations in Hainan, China
Authors: Cao X. R. , Xu X. M. , Che H. Y. , West J. S. , Luo D. Q.
Published: April 2019

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is a serious disease on a range of economically important hosts. To determine the Colletotrichum species in coffee plantations in Hainan, China, 55 isolates were obtained from Coffea arabica (arabica) and C. canephora var. robusta (robusta) in five counties. Initially, partial sequences of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were used to measure fungal genetic diversity. Then a subset of 23 isolates was selected to represent the range of genetic diversity, varieties and geographic origin for further multilocus phylogenetic analyses. These isolates belong to eight known Colletotrichum species from three Colletotrichum species complexes, including gloeosporioides (C. endophytica, C. fructicola, C. ledongense, C. siamense and C. tropicale), boninense (C. karstii), gigasporum (C. gigasporum), and one singleton species (C. brevisporum). Of these, C. siamense was isolated in all sampled counties and C. fructicola was identified in three counties. The other six species were isolated only in one or two counties. Only C. siamense and C. fructicola were isolated from arabica, whereas all eight species were isolated from robusta. Occurrence of C. brevisporum, C. endophytica, C. ledongense and C. tropicale in coffee has not been reported previously. Pathogenicity tests showed that all eight species were pathogenic to coffee leaves and fruit. In vitro tests showed that Colletotrichum isolates from coffee in Hainan were most sensitive to prochloraz, less sensitive to carbendazim, propiconazole and difenoconazole, and least sensitive to myclobutanil.
“The Language We Use Matters”: Streams, Narratives, and the Obama Administration Drone Strike Program in Yemen
Authors: Ceccoli Stephen
Published: April 2019

Despite its ubiquity in the literature, John Kingdon’s multiple streams framework (MSF) has rarely been applied to defense and foreign policy domains. Moreover, as a rationalist‐based systemic explanation, scholars have generally underappreciated the framework’s attention to the role of ideas and policy narratives. Deriving theoretical insights from the narrative policy framework (NPF), this article marries MSF’s systemic components with a policy narrative–based explanatory logic to examine decision coupling in the Obama administration’s lethal drone strike program in Yemen. Narrative‐specific meanings associated with MSF’s systemic features offer both theoretical insight on how the streams interact with respect to the drone program and how policy narratives offer a vehicle for better explaining the manipulation of ambiguity in the policy process. Policy narratives can be seen as cause and effect stories designed to bias certain policy decisions and provide important insights for enriching conventional MSF explanatory mechanisms, including manipulation, decision coupling, and alternative selection.