bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring the genetic architecture of expression variation from replicated high throughput allele-specific expression experiments
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Emerson J.J.
Published: July 2019

Gene expression variation between alleles in a diploid cell is mediated by variation in cis regulatory sequences, which usually refers to the differences in DNA sequence between two alleles near the gene of interest. Expression differences caused by cis variation has been estimated by the ratio of the expression level of the two alleles under a binomial model. However, the binomial model underestimates the variance among replicated experiments resulting in the exaggerated statistical significance of estimated cis effects and thus many false discoveries of cis-affected genes. Here we describe a beta-binomial model that estimates the cis-effect for each gene while permitting overdispersion of variance among replicates. We demonstrated with simulated null data (data without true cis-effect) that the new model fits the true distribution better, resulting in approximately 5% false positive rate under 5% significance level in all null datasets, considerably better than the 6%-40% false positive rate of the binomial model. Additional replicates increase the performance of the beta-binomial model but not of the binomial model. We also collected new allele-specific expression data from an experiment comprised of 20 replicates of a yeast hybrid (YPS128/RM11-1a). We eliminated the mapping bias problem with de novo assemblies of the two parental genomes. By applying the beta-binomial model to this dataset, we found that cis effects are ubiquitous, affecting around 70% of genes. However, most of these changes are small in magnitude. The high number of replicates enabled us a better approximation of cis landscape within species and also provides a resource for future exploration for better models.
Metabolic wastes are extracellularly disposed by excretosomes, nanotubes and exophers in mouse HT22 cells through an autophagic vesicle clustering mechanism
Authors: Fu Hualin , Li Jilong , Du Peng , Jin Weilin , Cui Daxiang
Published: July 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by metabolic waste accumulations in neuronal cells. However, little is known about the mechanism of metabolic waste disposal. We showed that there is a constitutive waste excretion by nanotubes and structures called excretosomes in mouse neuronal HT22 cells under normal conditions and an exopher-type waste disposal under stressed conditions. Excretosomes and exophers are waste-enriched multivesicular bodies that are formed by autophagic vesicle clustering and fusions. Upon H2O2treatment, metabolic waste marker intensified 1.4 to 3.4 fold. However, in dying H2O2-treated cells, glycolysis and stress response markers, alpha-Tubulin, Amyloid beta and alpha-Synuclein intensities reduced 30% to 80%. Amyloid beta, TAU and alpha-Synuclein associated with the autophagic vesicle clustering and fusion process and were excreted in large exophers by live oxidative-stressed cells before cell death with important implications for amyloid plaque, ghost tangle and Lewy body formation. H2O2treatment also induced exophers containing nucleic acid materials and significantly increased the level of oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG. Oxidative stress-induced HT22 cell death could be due to the combinations of excretion failure, cytoskeleton disruption, defective glycolysis and DNA damage.
Novel surface plasmon resonance biosensor that uses full-length Det7 phage tail protein for rapid and selective detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Hyeon Seok Hywan , Lim Woon Ki , Shin Hae Ja
Published: July 2019

We report a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that uses the full-length Det7 phage tail protein (Det7T) to rapidly and selectively detect Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Det7T, which was obtained using recombinant protein expression and purification in Escherichia coli, demonstrated a size of ∼75 kDa upon SDS-PAGE and was homotrimeric in its native structure. Micro-agglutination and TEM data revealed that the protein specifically bound to the host, S. Typhimurium, but not to non-host E. coli K-12 cells. The observed protein agglutination occurred over a concentration range of 1.5∼25 μg.ml−1. The Det7T proteins were immobilized on gold-coated surfaces using amine-coupling to generate a novel Det7T-functionalized SPR biosensor, wherein the specific binding of these proteins with bacteria was detected by SPR. We observed rapid detection of (∼ 20 min) and typical binding kinetics with S. Typhimurium in the range of 5 × 104-5 × 107 CFU.ml−1, but not with E. coli at any tested concentration, indicating that the sensor exhibited recognition specificity. Similar binding was observed with 10% apple juice spiked with S. Typhimurium, suggesting that this strategy could be expanded for the rapid and selective monitoring of target microorganisms in the environment.
Magnetic field-induced magnetostructural transition and huge tensile superelasticity in an oligocrystalline Ni–Cu–Co–Mn–In microwire
Authors: Chen Zhen , Cong Daoyong , Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Yin , Yan Haile , Li Shaohui , Li Runguang , Nie Zhihua , Ren Yang , Wang Yandong
Published: July 2019

Meta-magnetic shape-memory alloys combine ferroelastic order with ferromagnetic order and exhibit attractive multifunctional properties, but they are extremely brittle, showing hardly any tensile deformability, which impedes their practical application. Here, for the first time, an Ni–Cu–Co–Mn–In microwire has been developed that simultaneously exhibits a magnetic field-induced first-order meta-magnetic phase transition and huge tensile superelasticity. A temperature-dependent in situ synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction investigation reveals that the martensite of this Ni43.7Cu1.5Co5.1Mn36.7In13 microwire shows a monoclinic six-layered modulated structure and the austenite shows a cubic structure. This microwire exhibits an oligocrystalline structure with bamboo grains, which remarkably reduces the strain incompatibility during deformation and martensitic transformation. As a result, huge tensile superelasticity with a recoverable strain of 13% is achieved in the microwire. This huge tensile superelasticity is in agreement with our theoretical calculations based on the crystal structure and lattice correspondence of austenite and martensite and the crystallographic orientation of the grains. Owing to the large magnetization difference between austenite and martensite, a pronounced magnetic field-induced magnetostructural transition is achieved in the microwire, which could give rise to a variety of magnetically driven functional properties. For example, a large magnetocaloric effect with an isothermal entropy change of 12.7 J kg−1 K−1 (under 5 T) is obtained. The realization of magnetic-field- and tensile-stress-induced structural transformations in the microwire may pave the way for exploiting the multifunctional properties under the coupling of magnetic field and stress for applications in miniature multifunctional devices.
Corporate governance in the shipping industry: board interlocks and agency conflicts
Authors: Andrikopoulos Andreas , Georgakopoulos Andreas , Merika Anna , Merikas Andreas
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of interlocking directorates on agency conflicts and corporate performance in the shipping industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use social network analysis to discover central nodes in the network of personal and corporate connections in an international sample of 110 listed shipping companies.

Findings

Assessing network structure, the authors find that the network of corporate leaders is denser than the network of shipping companies. The network of shipping companies is populated with many isolated nodes; the network of shipping executives and directors is populated with many cohesive groups in which the longest distance between two corporate leaders is two companies. The authors find that interlocking corporate leadership can help resolve agency conflicts in the shipping industry, bearing a negative effect on the magnitude of agency costs. The extent of leadership overlaps is associated with board size, financial leverage and profitability. The relationship between profits and interlocks is bidirectional, implying that interlocking directorates bear a positive effect on asset returns.

Originality/value

The authors map the relational structures in the social networks of companies and company leaders in the shipping industry and discover the cross-sectional determinants of interlocks in the shipping industry. The finding about the effect of interlocks on profitability and agency costs bears policy implications for the design of corporate governance in the shipping industry.
Rural community tourism and sustainable advantages in Nicaragua
Authors: Artal-Tur Andres , Briones-Peñalver Antonio Juan , Bernal-Conesa Juan Andrés , Martínez-Salgado Oscar
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Rural community tourism (RCT) represents an experience of community-based tourism where local population retains control over the process and the bulk of benefits. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the study of successful RCT experiences in Nicaragua to enlarge the literature of tourism sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the resource-based theory of the firm to tourism, the paper defines a theoretical framework where local resources and capabilities combined through organization and strategic actions result in competitive advantages at the community level reinforcing its sustainable dimension. The model is tested empirically through Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) modelling for Nicaraguan RCT experiences.

Findings

Main findings show a good performance of empirical results, with the community dimension representing the cornerstone of the RCT project. Results remark how the presence of community tangible and intangible resources and capabilities are combined and exploited in tourism initiatives through strategies that put the preservation of the community as the central objective. This process leads to the emergence of competitive advantages that promote the sustainability of the community lifestyle, ensuring a durable approach of the rural tourism initiatives. Other interesting findings show how this type of RCT projects also promote the integration of weak rural collectives, like women and young people, or the pivotal cooperation emerging between public and private actors.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel framework to better understand some of the key pieces ensuring the sustainability of tourism initiatives. This theoretical setting has been applied to the case of rural areas at developing countries but could be enlarged to other contexts at developed countries having to deal with mass tourism and important related negative impacts of these activities. In sum, the main value of the paper is to provide a framework helping to identify the context that is needed to implement successful sustainable tourism experiences.
It’s not what you do; it’s the way that you do it
Authors: D’Annunzio-Green Norma , Ramdhony Allan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on the key tenets of self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the possibility of deploying talent management (TM) as an inherently motivational process within the hospitality industry and examine the role of managers in leveraging it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is rooted in social constructionism and uses qualitative methods and techniques to provide rich insights into employee perceptions and experiences of TM and related managerial attitudes and behaviours.

Findings

Although the current TM process is skewed towards performance outcomes, compelling evidence indicates variation in attempts to address employees’ motivational needs mediated by highly influential managerial attitudes and behaviours and importantly, suggests ample scope for embedding TM as an inherently motivational process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a relatively small sample but can be extrapolated with moderation to the wider research context and other similar organisational settings.

Practical implications

The paper develops an operational framework which contains clear guidelines that can be effectively translated into practice keeping in view its potential benefits.

Social implications

In line with SDT, the study foregrounds the social and relational context conducive to TM as a motivational process.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind to conceptualise TM as an inherently motivational process via the systematic application of SDT and offers early empirical insights into the phenomenon, which can serve as a solid platform for further research.
Digital communication in and beyond organizations: unintended consequences of new freedom
Authors: Entschew Elisa Maria
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: In times of permanent connectivity, what forms of freedom need to be considered to prevent permanent availability as an unintended consequence? By using the Hegelian perspective on freedom, the paper categorizes three forms of freedom to transfer them to a common, contemporary understanding of freedom relating it to freedom through human-to-human digital communication. The aim is to show that freedom is not only about independence and realizing choices but also about embedding and committing oneself.

Design/methodology/approach

This mainly conceptual paper derives implications based on the Hegelian theory. This is supplemented by an interdisciplinary approach, whereby categories of other philosophers, ethicists, economists and sociologists are applied. The analysis of the contemporary perspective on freedom is enriched by referencing empirical studies.

Findings

Digital communication offers new freedom such as working with fewer restrictions from time and space, especially for knowledge workers. It is theoretically possible to work 24 h per day from anywhere (independence), as well as to decide on the final location and timing of one’s work (realizing choices). When solely focusing on these – seemingly advantageous – forms of freedom in times of permanent connectivity, unintended consequences such as the expectation of permanent availability develop. The key message of the paper is that considering one’s temporal and social dependencies (embeddedness) is an indispensable part of actual freedom to avoid unintended consequences.

Practical implications

Organizations need to invest in moral discernment to understand unintended consequences, as well as to cope with them.

Originality/value

Applying the Hegelian theory on freedom based on digital communication to better understand social dynamics of digital communication is a largely unexplored avenue in the existing scientific literature. The decision to undertake this venture resulted from the identified necessity of understanding freedom better. It is often not clear what is meant by freedom through digital communication. Although freedom is a complex construct, it is often reduced to independence/having a choice and realizing choices. When solely focusing on independence and realizing choices, unintended consequences such as permanent availability often go unnoticed. It is exactly because of these issues that this paper endeavors to examine the (deep) meaning of the powerful, yet complex, term of freedom.
The prospects of Islamic banking in Southeast of Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh Precious Chikezie , Nkamnebe Anayo D.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

With the increasing presence of Islamic banking to Nigeria’s banking space and its relative success in the predominantly Muslim Northern region, the question of its prospect in the predominantly non-Muslim southeastern Nigeria becomes legitimate and urgent. Thus, the purpose of this study is to predict the prospect of Islamic banking in Southeast Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Three research questions were posed to address this objective. First, is there significant relationship between knowledge of Islamic banking concept and its prospects in Southeast Nigeria? Second, is there significant relationship between the relative advantage (principles) of Islamic banking concept and its prospects in Southeast Nigeria? Third, is there significant relationship between customers’ religion and prospects of Islamic banking concept in Southeast Nigeria? The study analyses using Pearson correlation, factor analysis with regression,t-test and ANOVA.

Findings

Knowledge of Islamic banking and prospects of Islamic banking show weak positive relationship and very low mean. In other words, Islamic banking is not well-known; therefore, the prospects of Islamic banking slightly depend on knowledge about Islamic banking. Furthermore, the relationship between Islamic principles and prospects of Islamic banking shows only 5 per cent impact, which means that factors other than Islamic principle will drive the prospects of Islamic banking in Southeast Nigeria. Two factors loading from factor analysis are “profit sharing” and “forbid of some business activities”. Finally, profit sharing influences the prospects of Islamic banking, while prospects of Islamic banking will be impeded by customers’ religion.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in Southeast Nigeria which contains a small size of sample; the research adopted convenient sampling technique and a limited number of measures in the model. Nevertheless, the study provides new information about an emerging Islamic market.

Originality/value

Most previous studies concentrated on product attributes of innovation adoption or patronage. But this current study inculcated the consumers' religion, as it affects the prospects of Islamic banking in Southeast Nigeria. .
“Part of being human”: evaluating the 4Ps model to support inpatient staff teams in reflecting on interpersonal dynamics
Authors: Jones Lindsay , Annesley Phyllis
Published: July 2019

Purpose

An innovative training approach was developed to enable staff working with complex cases, including personality disorder, to reflect on and work with the interpersonal dynamics of their interactions with service users. The aim of this approach is to support effective, compassionate and boundaried care. An overview of the model and development of the training is provided along with presentation and discussion of outcome data. Implications for future practice are also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

One-day workshops were provided within inpatient forensic women’s services. Nine workshops were delivered with 96 multidisciplinary staff having attended in total. Evaluation tools were developed to ascertain participants’ feedback regarding the training including its relevance and potential for impact on practice. Feedback was analysed using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods.

Findings

The evaluation demonstrated that the training was well received by a motivated group of participants and was felt to be relevant to their clinical practice.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation is limited by the lack of a follow-up to assess the longer-term impacts of the training and whether the positive effects of the training were maintained.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate that the training can be delivered within a short time frame, which makes the training efficient and cost effective.

Social implications

The training can develop practitioners’ skills in delivering compassionate and boundaried care in line with key NHS drivers for staff working with complex service users.

Originality/value

The 4Ps model enables staff with little or no psychotherapy training to deliver psychologically informed care which takes account of interpersonal dynamics and positively contributes to relational security, with an emphasis on reflecting on self and others.
Thermal behaviour of a novel non-composite cellular beam floor system in fire
Authors: Marx Hendrig , Walls Richard
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The Southern African Institute of Steel Construction has developed a novel cellular beam structure (CBS) for multi-storey buildings that is entirely devoid of concrete. Channel sections between the cellular beams support a complex sandwich flooring system, which contains a fire-resistant ceiling board, metal sheeting, an interior fibre-cement board and an access-flooring system. As for all structures, the CBS requires a fire rating. This paper aims to investigate the thermal behaviour of the CBS using numerical modelling and experimental fire testing, as it has a unique setup.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental fire tests on the flooring system were conducted to validate finite element models, which were developed in ABAQUS. These models were then extended to include floor beams and the structural steelwork.

Findings

Good correlations were found between the experimental and numerical results, with temperature variations typically in the range of 0-5%, although with localised differences of up to 20%. This allowed larger finite element models, representing the sandwich floor system of the CBS, to be developed and analysed. A 1-hour rating can be obtained by the system in terms of insulation and integrity requirements.

Practical implications

The CBS allows for more economical steel structures, due to the rapid construction of its modular panels. A suitable fire resistance will ensure the safety of the occupants and prevent major structural damage. Steelwork and flooring temperatures are determined which has allowed for global structural analyses to be carried out.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in thermal analysis and testing of a new cellular beam flooring system, through determining behaviour in fire, along with beam temperatures.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of reinforced polyamide 12 composites prepared by laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Zhu Lingjie , Zhou Lei , Li Yongjiu
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of the reinforcement included either glass beads (GBs) or carbon fiber (CF) on the reinforced polyamide 12 (PA12) composite samples prepared by selective laser sintering (SLS).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated, and the results are compared with those obtained for non-reinforced pure PA12 samples prepared by SLS.

Findings

The tensile fracture surface of the non-reinforced pure PA12 sample presents strong micro-deformation within the crack origination zone between the melted PA12 matrix and the un-melted PA12 particle cores. As a result, the pure PA12 sample exhibits the greatest maximum elongation. The maximum tensile strength is obtained for the CF reinforced sample because of the strengthening effect of CF and the relatively good bonding between CFs and the PA12 matrix. The minimum tensile strength is obtained for the GB reinforced PA12 sample because of the relatively weak bonding between GBs and the PA12 matrix.

Originality/value

These results demonstrate that the characteristics of the interfaces between the reinforcement and the PA12 matrix have an important influence on the fracture mechanisms and mechanical properties of PA12 composites fabricated by SLS.
Improving responses to juvenile burglary offenders
Authors: Roth Jeffrey J. , Pierce Mari B.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make evidence-based recommendations for improving the responses of criminal justice agencies to juvenile burglary offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyzes what is known about factors relevant to young offenders’ initiation into burglary and subsequent persistence in that offense. It then evaluates research regarding juvenile justice interventions that can mitigate those factors in order to prevent youth from becoming involved in burglary or to encourage desistance in juvenile burglars.

Findings

Effective early intervention with juvenile burglars is vital, as burglars often begin committing this crime in their early teens and quickly develop expertise in the offense. Evidence supports the importance of positive mentoring, substance abuse programs, some forms of restorative justice and multi-modal interventions with education and employment components, while waiving these youth to adult court appears to offer little benefit over less punitive approaches.

Originality/value

This work delivers an original contribution by providing an analysis of existing burglary and juvenile justice research that may be useful to policymakers, law enforcement and other justice practitioners.
Fusion estimation for nonlinear multi-sensor networked systems with packet loss compensation and correlated noises
Authors: Zhao Kai , Tan Li-Guo , Song Shen-Min
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to give the centralized and distributed fusion estimator for nonlinear multi-sensor networked systems with packet loss compensation and correlated noises and give the corresponding square-root cubature Kalman filter.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Gaussian approximation recursive filter framework, the authors derive the centralized fusion filter and using the projection theorem, the authors derive the centralized fusion smoother. Then, based on the fast batch covariance intersection fusion algorithm, the authors give the corresponding results for distributed fusion estimators.

Findings

Designing the fusion estimators for nonlinear multi-sensor networked systems with packet loss compensation and correlated noises is necessary. It is useful for general nonlinear systems.

Originality/value

Throughout the whole study, the main highlights of this paper are as follows: packet loss compensation and correlated noises are considered in nonlinear multi-sensor networked systems. There are no relevant conclusions in the existing literature; centralized and distributed fusion estimators are derived based on the above system; for the posterior covariance with compensation factor and correlated noises, a new square-root factor of the error covariance is derived; and the new square-root factor of the error covariance is used to replace the numerical implementation of the covariance in cubature Kalman filter (CKF), which simplified the problem in calculating the posterior covariance in CKF.
Leaf traits mediate changes in invertebrate herbivory along broad environmental gradients on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Njovu Henry K. , Peters Marcell K. , Schellenberger Costa David , Brandl Roland , Kleyer Michael , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: July 2019

Temperature, primary productivity, plant functional traits, and herbivore abundances are considered key predictors of leaf herbivory but their direct and indirect contributions to community‐level herbivory are not well understood along broad climatic gradients.

Here, we determined elevational herbivory patterns and used a path analytical approach to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of climate, land use, net primary productivity (NPP), herbivore abundance, and plant functional traits on community‐level invertebrate herbivory along the extensive elevational and land use gradients at Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

We recorded standing leaf herbivory caused by leaf chewers, leaf miners and leaf gallers on 55 study sites distributed in natural and anthropogenic habitats along a 3,060 m elevation gradient. We related the total community‐level herbivory to climate (temperature and precipitation), NPP, plant functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf carbon‐to‐nitrogen [CN] ratio and leaf nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus [NP] ratio) and herbivore abundances.

Leaf herbivory ranged from 5% to 11% along the elevation gradient. Total leaf herbivory showed unimodal pattern in natural habitats but a strongly contrasting bimodal pattern in anthropogenic habitats. We also detected some variation in the patterns of leaf herbivory along environmental gradients across feeding guilds with leaf chewers being responsible for a disproportionally large part of herbivory. Path analyses indicated that the variation in leaf herbivory was mainly driven by changes in leaf CN and NP ratios which were closely linked to changes in NPP in natural habitats. Similarly, patterns of leaf herbivory in anthropogenic habitats were best explained by variation in leaf CN ratios and a negative effect of land use.

Our study elucidates the strong role of leaf nutrient stoichiometry and its linkages to climate and NPP for explaining the variation in leaf herbivory along broad climatic gradients. Furthermore, the study suggests that climatic changes and nutrient inputs in the course of land use change may alter leaf herbivory and consequently energy and nutrient fluxes in terrestrial habitats.
Introducing robotic upper limb training into routine clinical practice for stroke survivors: Perceptions of occupational therapists and physiotherapists
Authors: Flynn Nicholas , Kuys Suzanne , Froude Elspeth , Cooke Deirdre
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Robot‐assisted therapy for the upper limb (RT‐UL) is an emerging form of intervention for stroke survivors with upper limb deficits. However, there is limited knowledge regarding therapists’ perceptions of RT‐UL and the factors influencing the implementation of RT‐UL into the clinical setting. This is important when considering that therapists in Australia are primarily responsible for the prescription of RT‐UL in daily practice. This study aimed to explore occupational therapists’ and physiotherapists’ perceptions of RT‐UL and the perceived barriers and enablers influencing implementation.

Methods

Two discipline‐specific focus groups were conducted involving occupational therapists (n = 6) and physiotherapists (n = 6). Participants were members of the same multidisciplinary team working in an Australian public health rehabilitation facility where RT‐UL (i.e. InMotion2) was being introduced for the first time. Focus groups explored therapist perceptions of the new RT‐UL as well as perceived barriers and enablers to implementation. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and deductively analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

Out of the 14 domains of the TDF, 7 were raised by participants during the focus groups: environmental context and resources, beliefs about consequences, optimism, knowledge, skills, social influences, and social and professional role and identity. Therapists’ expressed their optimism towards the introduction of RT‐UL but believed successful implementation would be primarily dependent on the availability of clinical leadership, training and a suitable client mix.

Conclusion

Therapists perceived that RT‐UL would provide opportunity for increased upper limb practice particularly for patients with severe upper limb impairment. To facilitate implementation, support of RT‐UL should come from both management and clinical leaders and training include RT‐UL efficacy, device functionality and patient suitability. The availability of a single RT‐UL device in a workplace may create unique interdisciplinary and logistical challenges.
‘Only the dead don't make the future’: Calon lives between non‐Gypsies and death
Authors: Fotta Martin
Published: July 2019

This article argues that the instability of social arrangements, openness in economic strategies, and presentist orientations found among the Calon Gypsies (Ciganos) in Bahia are not to be attributed to uncertainty originating in destabilizations of Calon social life through encompassment and penetration by the dominant Juron (non‐Gypsy) society. It shows instead that Calon cultivate exploitable uncertainty and maintain forward thrust in their lives through a form of self‐discipline sometimes described as ‘making the future’, which distinguishes them from both Jurons and those Calon who have died. This orientation, which highlights the unsettlement of existing arrangements in order to create new opportunities and alter one's position, is inseparable from Calon conceptions regarding generations and gender. It provides a performative background against which Calon can demonstrate attributes of social persons and allows for ‘enchaining’ people through recomposing relationships.
“What's a Single Man Blathering about? Jesus on Marriage.”
Authors: Cadwallader Alan H.
Published: July 2019

The church throughout its history has laid claim to Jesus’ teaching about marriage. It has dubbed the declared distillations to be the “dominical words on marriage.” The only problem is that historical criticism has left contemporary readers with no certainty about what Jesus actually said; literary critics have destabilised whether Jesus’ words on marriage were ever intended to be transtemporal; textual critics have demonstrated the impossibility of nailing down any fixed teaching and ideological critics have shown the vested interests of scribes in shaping the meaning of the text from the very beginning. Marriage, it seems, is a Rorschach test completely subject to the needs and interests of those who venture into looking at it. Consequently Jesus can relegate marriage to a practice not even worthy of the resurrection, prize it open to multiple spouses whether contemporaneous or sequential, enforce asymmetrical pairings based on gender, and generally fall in with whatever state or church decisions might be. “Dominical words on marriage” proves to be a house built on sand.
Effect of Heat on the Fluorescence Properties of Tooth‐Colored Restorative Materials and Their Forensic Implications
Authors: Kiran Ramya , Chapman James , Tennant Marc , Forrest Alexander , Walsh Laurence J.
Published: July 2019

During antemortem and postmortem comparison of dental records of carbonized victims, restorations may be part of such records. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat on the fluorescence behavior of contemporary tooth‐colored restorative materials and natural tooth structure when subjected to range of temperatures, using illumination with 405 nm wavelength light. A total of 132 human extracted teeth restored with tooth‐colored restorative materials were exposed to heat (200, 500, 900, 1200°C) in an oven for 30 min. Samples were imaged before and after heat treatment. All tooth‐colored restorative materials underwent changes in color and in fluorescence properties, at each of the temperatures used. Resin‐based restorative materials still fluoresced at 200°C, and at 500°C underwent major color changes due to volatilization of resin. Materials containing inorganic fluorophores still fluoresced at 900°C, while at 1200°C, none of the materials tested in this study showed any fluorescence.
Should the clinical significance of supraclavicular and celiac lymph node metastasis in thoracic esophageal cancer be reevaluated?
Authors: Wen Junmiao , Chen Donglai , Zhao Ting , Chen Jiayan , Zhao Yuhuan , Liu Di , Wang Wenjia , Xu Xinyan , Fan Min , Chen Chang , Chen Yongbing
Published: July 2019

Background

Lower thoracic esophageal cancer (LTEC) with celiac node metastasis and upper thoracic esophageal cancer (UTEC) with supraclavicular node metastasis were previously categorized as M1a diseases. Our study aimed to investigate whether the clinical significance of supraclavicular and celiac lymph node metastasis should be reevaluated in thoracic esophageal cancer.

Methods

A total of 6178 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2004–2015. Treatment strategies and outcomes (OS, overall survival; CSS, cancer‐specific survival) of patients with different nodal status were reviewed. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to evaluate the prognostic factors. Statistical analyses were performed in all subgroups.

Results

Multivariate analysis identified supraclavicular node metastasis but not celiac node metastasis as an independent predictor of both OS and CSS in LTEC. However, metastasis to supraclavicular or celiac nodes was not an independent predictor of OS and CSS in UTEC. Surgery was not associated with increased OS and CSS for UTEC with celiac or supraclavicular node metastasis but was favored as a predictor of better OS and CSS for LTEC with celiac or supraclavicular node metastasis. Radiotherapy benefited OS and CSS in LTEC involving celiac or supraclavicular nodes and in UTEC involving celiac nodes, while only OS benefited from radiotherapy in UTEC involving supraclavicular nodes.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that the clinical significance of supraclavicular and celiac lymph node metastasis should be reevaluated in thoracic esophageal cancer with different prognostic information according to the primary sites.
An empirical assessment of proposed solutions for resolving scale problems in value relevance accounting research
Authors: Aledo Martínez Juana , García Lara Juan Manuel , González Pérez María T. , Grambovas Christos A.
Published: July 2019

We implement the most common empirical specifications, with different approaches to control for scale problems, used in studies on the value relevance of accounting information. We study whether the results offered by these specifications are consistent with the residual income valuation model and with the Burgstahler and Dichev option‐style valuation framework. Undeflated and per‐share specifications offer results that are more in line with both benchmarks. Other deflated specifications and approaches deviate, to different extents, from the expectations of both frameworks. We interpret these deviations as signs of misspecification.
Community of small mammals along an elevational gradient in Biological Reserve of Serra do Japi, municipality of Jundiaí‐SP, Brazil
Authors: Sakane Karina Koibuchi , Percequillo Alexandre Reis , Setz Eleonore Zulnara Freire
Published: July 2019

Studies of elevational gradients in forests are particularly interesting for the considerable differences that can be observed over short distances, such as in vegetation and temperature. Different taxonomic groups display varying types of distribution patterns along elevational gradients, with unimodal distribution being recognised as the most common pattern. The distribution of species can be affected by a range of factors that include, biotic, spatial, climatic, historic and energetic. Small mammals represent an ideal model for studies about distribution and habitat use as they can be highly abundant, tend to have different diets and use space differently. The aims of this study are to build a comprehensive understanding of the community of small mammals of the Biological Reserve of Serra do Japi and to explore its distribution pattern along elevational gradients. We investigated the influence of biomass of arthropods, fruits and seeds and percentage of ground cover, canopy cover and vertical vegetation at richness and abundance of small mammals at three different elevations. To accomplish this, we used seventy‐two pitfall traps of 63 L to capture small mammals and distributed them equally across three elevations defined as low (880–899 m), intermediate (1046–1089 m) and high (1170–1189 m). Each elevation had three lines or replicas of traps. Throughout the study, we captured one hundred and fourteen individuals belonging to eleven species of small mammals. The presence of rare and endemic species demonstrates the importance of conservation and maintenance of the Biological Reserve of Serra do Japi. In regard to the distribution of species, despite the short gradient range, we found a unimodal pattern and a positive correlation between ground cover (fallen twigs and branches up to 1 m high) and richness and abundance of small mammals. More ground cover can reduce the effects of competition and predation on small mammals’ communities.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
SIRT1 negatively regulates invasive and angiogenic activities of the extravillous trophoblast
Authors: Lee Ki Mo , Seo Hee Won , Kwon Myoung‐Seung , Han Ae‐Ra , Lee Sung Ki
Published: July 2019

Problem

Dysregulation of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion leads to pregnancy complications, such as pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and placenta accreta. The aim of this study was to explore the role of SIRT1 in EVT invasion and its underlying mechanism.

Method of study

SIRT1‐specific siRNA was transfected into Swan 71 cells, an immortalized first trimester trophoblast cell line. The Boyden chamber invasion assay, the scratch wound healing assay, and cell proliferation assay were performed. The expression levels of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), MMP‐9, p‐Akt, Akt, p‐p38MAPK, p38MAPK, p‐ERK, ERK, p‐JNK, JNK, Fas, and Fas ligand (FasL) were examined by western blot. Tube formation assay was conducted by using Matrigel.

Results

SIRT1 knockdown by siRNA significantly enhanced invasion and migration as well as the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and EMT markers in Swan 71 cells, but reduced proliferation. The effects of SIRT1 knockdown on invasion, migration, proliferation, and endothelial‐like tube formation in Swan 71 cells were reversely regulated by blockade of Akt and p38MAPK signaling. In addition, SIRT1 knockdown markedly promoted colocalization of Swan 71 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) networks and induced reduction in Fas and enhancement of FasL. Conditioned media of SIRT1 knockdown‐Swan 71 cells caused reduction in cell proliferation and augmentation of cytotoxicity along with increased Fas expression in HUVECs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that SIRT1 may be associated with placental development by controlling EVT invasion and spiral artery remodeling via modulation of EMT, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, Akt/p38MAPK signaling, and Fas/FasL.
Cross‐sectional associations between healthy eating index and sex steroid hormones in men—National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002
Authors: Chen Z. , Pestoni G. , McGlynn K. A. , Platz E. A. , Rohrmann S.
Published: July 2019

Background

Diet plays an important role in health and is a modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases. In men, sex steroid hormones influence, and are influenced by, a number of health states. Specific dietary patterns have been found to alter sex steroid hormone levels in observational and intervention studies. Thus, we hypothesized that dietary patterns captured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) are associated with serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG).

Objectives

The objective is investigating the association between HEI and sex steroid hormones and SHBG in a general US population of men.

Methods

We used data on serum sex steroid hormones and SHBG levels, HEI, and other variables collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002. A total of 550 men >20 years old were included in the analysis. The cross‐sectional associations between HEI (from 0 to 100 points, higher score equates to a healthier diet) with natural logarithm transformed concentrations of total and free testosterone, total and free estradiol, and SHBG were evaluated with multivariable linear regression models and adjusted for potential confounders. We also stratified by the body mass index (BMI) and race/ethnicity and tested for interactions.

Results

HEI showed a significant inverse association with free estradiol (p = 0.03), but was not associated with total or free testosterone, total estradiol, or SHBG concentrations. Neither BMI nor race/ethnicity statistically significantly modified the association between HEI and sex steroid hormone levels.

Conclusion

The present cross‐sectional analysis in a representative sample of US men showed no consistent association between eating habits, sex steroid hormones, and SHBG. Longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate potential associations.
Is anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism safe for Asian elective neurosurgical patients? A single centre study
Authors: Cheang Mun Yoong , Yeo Tseng Tsai , Chou Ning , Lwin Sein , Ng Zhi Xu
Published: July 2019

Background

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in neurosurgical patients ranges 3–24%. VTE is potentially fatal, and prophylactic anticoagulation is recommended worldwide. However, anticoagulation poses a risk of haemorrhage, which can be devastating. We aim to determine the incidence of VTE and risk of haemorrhage following anticoagulation.

Methods

Between 1 May 2014 and 1 May 2016, all patients who underwent elective neurosurgery were recruited into our study. All patients had bilateral lower limb ultrasound to screen for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between post‐operative days 3 and 7. These patients are also monitored for manifestations of pulmonary embolism (PE). If present, a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram will be performed. Patients with VTE will either receive conservative treatment or anticoagulation.

Results

During this period, 170 of 610 patients were included. Of the 170 patients, 17 patients (10.0%) developed DVT. Fifteen patients had cranial surgery and two patients had spinal surgery. Two patients (1.2%) developed PE and both patients had concurrent DVT. Of these 17 patients, nine patients received anticoagulation. Of these nine patients, six patients (66.7%) developed surgical site bleeding following anticoagulation and all of them required surgical intervention. Patients who were managed conservatively did not suffer haemorrhage.

Conclusion

Our results show an overall 10.0% incidence of DVT and 1.2% incidence of PE following elective neurosurgery within this Asian cohort of neurosurgical patients. There is also a high risk (66.7%) of significant surgical site bleeding following anticoagulation.
Job Crafting via Decreasing Hindrance Demands: The Motivating Role of Interdependence Misfit and the Facilitating Role of Autonomy
Authors: Dust Scott B. , Tims Maria
Published: July 2019

Job crafting theory suggests that misalignment between an employee’s preferred and actual amount of job characteristics acts as a motivational trigger for job crafting. We test this unexplored, yet key proposition underlying job crafting theory. To do so, however, we take a more comprehensive misfit perspective than previously applied, evaluating person‐job undersupply and oversupply. We propose that task interdependence misfit motivates a reductive form of job crafting, decreasing hindrance demands. We also propose that low autonomy mitigates the misfit to decreasing hindrance demands relationship. To empirically evaluate this direction, we employ moderated polynomial regression and response surface analysis. Study 1 (N = 159 English‐speaking respondents) findings suggest that task interdependence misfit (both undersupply and oversupply) is positively related to decreasing hindrance demands. Study 2 (N = 363 Dutch‐speaking respondents) findings replicate and support our misfit hypothesis. Further, as expected, low levels of autonomy neutralize the relationship between task interdependence misfit and decreasing hindrance demands. Theoretical and practical implications regarding the misfit‐as‐motivation hypothesis, and the simultaneous investigation of job crafting facilitators (i.e., autonomy) and motivators (i.e., misfit) are discussed.