bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microgravity modulates effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on cancer cell migration
Authors: Prasanth Devika , Suresh Sindhuja , Prathivadhi-Bhayankaram Sruti , Mimlitz Michael , Zetocha Noah , Lee Bong , Ekpenyong Andrew
Published: December 2019

Microgravity or the condition of apparent weightlessness causes bone, muscular and immune system dysfunctions in astronauts following spaceflights. These organ and system-level dysfunctions correlate with changes induced at the single cell level both by simulated microgravity on earth as well as microgravity conditions in outer space (as in the international space station). Reported changes in single bone cells, muscle cells and white blood cells include structural/morphological abnormalities, changes in gene expression, protein expression, metabolic pathways and signaling pathways, suggesting that cells mount some response or adjustment to microgravity. However, the implications of such adjustments on many cellular functions and responses are not clear largely because the primary mechanism of gravity sensing in animal cells is unknown. Here we used a rotary cell culture system developed by NASA, to subject leukemic and erythroleukemic cancer cells to microgravity for 48 hours and then quantified their innate immune-response to common anti-cancer drugs using biophysical parameters and our recently developed quantum-dots-based fluorescence spectroscopy. We found that leukemic cancer cells treated with daunorubicin show increased chemotactic migration (p < 0.01) following simulated microgravity (μg) compared to normal gravity on earth (1g). However, cells treated with doxorubicin showed enhanced migration both in 1g and following μg. Our results show that microgravity modulates cancer cell response to chemotherapy in a drug-dependent manner. These results suggest using simulated microgravity as an immunomodulatory tool for the development of new immunotherapies for both space and terrestrial medicine.
Structural basis for pore blockade of the human cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 by tetrodotoxin and quinidine
Authors: Li Zhangqiang , Jin Xueqin , Huang Gaoxingyu , Wu Kun , Lei Jianlin , Pan Xiaojing , Yan Nieng
Published: December 2019

Among the nine subtypes of human voltage-gated Na+(Nav) channels, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Nav1.5 is the primary one in heart. More than 400 point mutations have been identified in Nav1.5 that are associated with cardiac disorders exemplified by type 3 long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, making Nav1.5 a common target for class I antiarrythmic drugs. Here we present the cryo-EM structures of Nav1.5 bound to quinidine and TTX with resolutions at 3.2 Å and 3.3 Å, respectively, for the pore domain. The structures allow mapping of 278 disease-related mutations in the resolved region, establishing the framework for mechanistic investigation of these pathogenic mutations. Quinidine is positioned right below the selectivity filter and coordinated by residues from repeats I, III, and IV. Pore blockade is achieved through both direct obstruction of the ion permeation path and induced rotation of a Tyr residue that leads to intracellular gate closure. Structural comparison of Nav1.5 with our previously reported Nav1.2/1.4/1.7 reveals the molecular determinant for the different susceptibility to TTX by TTX-resistant and -sensitive Navsubtypes, and highlights the functional significance of the underexplored and least conserved extracellular loops.
Migrant workers in a global city: the case of contemporary Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Yingtong , Li Aijia
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Previous research has documented the ways that migration contributed to the rise of Hong Kong as a global city by the early 1990s. Much academic attention has been paid to the causes of labor migration and issues related to the adaptation of migrant workers in Hong Kong. Based on a review of such studies, the purpose of this paper is to describe three representative groups of migrant workers in Hong Kong and discuss how research on migrant workers in Hong Kong has provided new insights to the global city literature and to the study of development and migration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews published works regarding migrant workers in Hong Kong since 1996. Discussion focuses on three representative groups: high-skilled immigrants from developed countries, low-skilled migrant workers from less developed regions and mainland Chinese immigrants.

Findings

Findings suggest that the migration patterns and challenges of the adaptation of migrant workers in Hong Kong correspond largely to the social polarization thesis proposed by global city literature. However, Hong Kong is unique compared to core global cities in the USA and Western Europe due to its special power relationship with mainland China and its colonial history, which have a significant impact on immigrants’ decision to migrate and their post-migration integration.

Originality/value

This review paper provides a better understanding of migration and development, and highlights new factors that contribute to reasons for migration and challenges of integration for migrant workers in the host society.
Digital marketing and tourism: opportunities for Africa
Authors: Mkwizu Kezia Herman
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore digital marketing and tourism with a focus on opportunities with a case study of Africa, motivated by developments in tourism particularly the increase in tourist arrivals and the growth of digital statistics in the digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review as a research methodology was adopted in this study, and the integrative literature review was the method used as well as content analysis to review studies in digital marketing and tourism relating to Africa.

Findings

This paper reveals that digital media, content and mobile advertising are among the trends in digital marketing and, thus, affords Africa the opportunity to market its attractions to tourists in this digital era.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies can explore quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the phenomenon of digital marketing in relation to tourism.

Practical implications

Other countries within Africa to adopt similar digital marketing such as digital media and creative content in order to manage the digitization of marketing activities in the tourism sector.

Originality/value

This study explores digital marketing and tourism with a focus on opportunities for Africa as a case study by specifically examining social media marketing in relation to tourist arrivals using integrative literature review and content analysis methods.
Flood resilience in Malaysian cities: a case study of two towns in Johor state
Authors: Karki Tej Kumar
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper has carried out a case study of two flood-prone towns in Johor state, Malaysia, to understand how resilient the residents and local authorities were in dealing with the flood disasters in terms of their ability to anticipate, mobilize institutional resources, adapt and respond.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted semi-structured interviews with flood-affected residents, flood disaster managers and planners, and assessed land use regulations and institutional strengths to answer the research question.

Findings

The results showed that the residents’ anticipatory capacity to flood risks was weak and both the human and institutional resources were insufficient in coping with and responding to urban flooding.

Research limitations/implications

This research has not carried out questionnaire survey of large number of residents. It is based on semi-structured interview of ten residents in two Malaysian cities.

Practical implications

The insights drawn from this research would help develop flood-resilient policies for Malaysian cities. The global communities exposed to flood disasters too benefit from the Malaysia’s minute but crucial human and institutional experiences in urban flooding.

Social implications

Being resilient to all these small but important flood concerns has huge potential to reduce vulnerability and disaster risks and protect the lives and properties of flood affected urban residents.

Originality/value

The research focus in Malaysia is less on flood resilience and more on flood modeling and hydrology analysis. In this sense, this research is new because it talks more on flood vulnerability and resilience issues at the community level and gives a perspective on current Malaysian town's state of flood resilience culture and practices.
Participation of Iranian non-governmental organizations in health policy-making; barriers and strategies for development
Authors: Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Kakemam Edris , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Rasouli Jamal , Sokhanvar Mobin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The effectiveness of non-governmental organization (NGO) participation in the healthcare sector has been demonstrated globally. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of Iranian NGOs’ contribution to health policy-making, the barriers to and strategies for developing their contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, 25 participants were recruited from health-related NGOs in Tabriz, Iran. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Furthermore, a set of relevant documents were collected and their contents evaluated. The text of documents and interviews were analyzed using a thematic (deductive–inductive) approach using NVivo software.

Findings

Most NGO activity has been in the area of providing services, whereas the least amount of activity has been in the domain of policy-making. Factors that were influential for NGO participation in policy-making were divided into three categories: those related to government, to civil society and within NGOs themselves. The primary barriers to participation in policy-making were related to government and the way that NGOs operated. Recommendations include the production of supportive law, financial aid to NGO and infrastructure that facilitates NGO participation.

Practical implications

Financial support from the government and legislation of supportive laws could help to realize the potential of NGOs.

Originality/value

No such research has been undertaken before to evaluate what activities health-related NGOs undertake, their contribution in health policy-making and obstacles and facilitators of this contribution. NGOs can play a key role in ensuring accountability, transparency and empower citizens to demand basic health services from government.
Behavior of investor flows in Israeli provident funds
Authors: Arbaa Ofer , Varon Eva
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the sensitivity of provident fund investors to past performance and how market conditions, changes in risk and liquidity levels influence the net flows into provident funds by using a unique sample from Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

The study checks the impact of different levels of fund performance on provident fund flows using three alternative proxies for performance: raw return and the risk adjusted returns based on the Sharpe ratio and the Jensen’s α. The analysis relies on the time fixed effect and fund fixed effect regression models.

Findings

Results reveal that there exists an approximately concave flow–performance relationship and performance persistence among Israeli provident funds. Israeli provident fund investors are risk averse so they overreact to bad performance both in bull and bear markets. Moreover, liquidity is an important factor to influence the flow–performance curve. The investors’ strong negative response to poor performance and relative insensitivity to outperformance show that provident fund managers are not rewarded for their risk-shifting activities as in mutual funds.

Originality/value

The authors explore the behavior of investor flows in non-institutional retirement savings funds specifically outside of the USA, which is a topic not properly investigated in literature. Moreover, examining inflows and outflows separately gives the authors a richer understanding of investors in pension schemes. This study also enhances the understanding of the impact of fund liquidity on the flow–performance relationship for the retirement funds segment.
Effect of journal misalignment and coupled-stress lubricant on the film pressure of a double-layered porous journal bearing
Authors: Some Shitendu , Guha Sisir Kumar
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In the application of hydrostatic double-layered porous journal bearings, misalignment of bearing systems is a major problem. On the other hand, the use of coupled-stress fluid as a lubricant is more practical in the present days. Furthermore, in case of porous bearing, neglecting slip effect and percolation effect of additives into the pores may lead to erroneous result. Hence, this paper aims to address the effect of journal misalignment and coupled-stress lubricant on the steady-state film pressure of the double-layered porous journal bearing with tangential velocity slip and percolation effect.

Design/methodology/approach

First, considering the tangential velocity slip, the most general modified Reynolds type equation has been derived for the film region and the governing equations for flow in the coarse and fine layers of porous medium, incorporating the percolation effect for a double-layered porous bearing. Here, considering the misalignment caused by shaft displacement. Film thickness expression established considering the effect of misalignment. Steady-state film pressures are obtained by solving modified Reynolds equation based on the coupled-stress lubrication theory. Effects of journal misalignment and coupled-stress lubricant on the pressure profiles in the film region are discussed and demonstrated in the graphical form.

Findings

In this paper, effects of journal misalignment and coupled-stress lubricant on the pressure profiles in the film region are obtained. In general, higher degree of misalignment gives higher steady-state pressure value in the film region, and this pressure increases due to increase in coupled-stress parameter up to a certain limit.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there is no literature available, so far, that addresses the analysis of the steady-state pressure in the film region of a doubled–layered porous journal bearing under misaligned condition with coupled-stress lubricant. But in this paper all these points are included, which makes this article valuable in design purpose.
Role of coffeehouse brand experiences (sensory/affective/intellectual/behavioral) in forming patrons’ repurchase intention
Authors: Han Heesup , Lee Kai-Sean , Song HakJun , Lee Sanghyeop , Chua Bee-Lia
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interrelationships among coffeehouse brand experiences, customer satisfaction and perceived value in generating patrons’ repeat purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey sample consisted of 379 coffeehouse patrons who visited an international chain coffeehouse in a metropolitan city of South Korea.

Findings

The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that a coffeehouse brand experience exerted a significant influence on customer satisfaction and perceived value. The repurchase intention was found to be a significant and positive function of customer satisfaction and perceived value. Moreover, the result of the metric invariance test demonstrated a significant moderating impact on the relationships between coffeehouse brand experiences and customer satisfaction, coffeehouse brand experiences and perceived value, and customer satisfaction and repurchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

An examination of the moderating role of switching costs demonstrated that the relationships between coffeehouse brand experiences and customer satisfaction, between coffeehouse brand experiences and perceived value and between customer satisfaction and repurchase intention differed across switching costs groups. More specifically, the relationship strength was greater for the high group of switching costs than for the low group.

Originality/value

The present study provides coffeehouse management with a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of patrons’ repurchase decision generation process.
Perceptions of blended destination image: the case of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil
Authors: Valduga Manoela Carrillo , Breda Zélia , Costa Carlos Martins
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the image of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro as a blended tourism destination (TD) image, by examining the categories of the image, and whether it is positive or negative and cognitive or affective.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed to verify the relations between the image of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro by visit, location, categories and subcategories and dimensions. Data were collected online from a “snowball” sample and were analyzed applying non-parametric hypothesis testing. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25.0 for Windows.

Findings

Results reveal that respondents share the same image of the city of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, a conclusion that is partially confirmed by statistical findings. The quantitative results also showed that the image is positive and “natural attractions” and “unique city attractions” are, respectively, the most mentioned subcategory and category. Cognitive attributes of the image have been more mentioned than affective ones.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the image of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro as a blended TD image has never been explored before, however, it has been assumed as being the same.
Approaching life story interviews as sites of interaction
Authors: Asplund Stig-Börje , Pérez Prieto Héctor
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what conversation analysis has to offer when analysing a series of life story interviews aiming to capture how reading and texts are used in a rural working-class man’s identity construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The conversation analysis methodology with its explicit focus on embodied social action, activity and conduct in interaction is integrated with a life story approach when analysing and describing the identity constructing processes that take place in life story interview settings.

Findings

Through a close and detailed analysis of the interaction between interviewer and interviewee, and by focusing and highlighting the phenomena and identities that are oriented to in the face-to-face interaction here and now (and in relation to there and then), descriptions of the complex and dynamic identity constructing processes that are set into play in the life story interview are possible.

Research limitations/implications

It is argued that the approach has a lot to offer when approaching life story data, and thus is a method that can increase the transparency in life story interview research.

Originality/value

The paper explores the intersection of what is often seen as diametrically opposed forms of analysis: conversation analysis and narrative inquiry.
By applying an ARDL bounds testing approach and causality test to investigate the electricity consumption and production with economic growth
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Irfan Muhammad , Hena Sehresh , Chandio Abbas Ali
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the electricity consumption and production and its linkage to economic growth in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test to check the stationarity of the variables, while an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach and causality test were applied to investigate the variables long-term association with the economic growth.

Findings

The study results show that electricity consumption in the agriculture, commercial and industrial sector has significant association with economic growth, while electricity consumption in the household and street lights demonstrate a non-significant association with the economic growth. Furthermore, results also exposed that electricity production from coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear and oil sources have significant association with the economic growth of Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study made a contribution to the literature regarding electricity consumption and production with economic growth in Pakistan by using an ARDL bounds testing approach and causality test. This study provides a guideline to the government of Pakistan that possible steps are needed to improve the electricity production and supply to fulfill the country demand.
Opioid‐induced hypogonadism: Pathophysiology, clinical and therapeutics review
Authors: Antony Thomas , Alzaharani Sharifa Y , El‐Ghaiesh Sabah H
Published: December 2019

Opioids are pivotal therapeutics in the management of escalated chronic pain (moderate–severe). In the last two decades, the increased prescription rate and the prolonged usage of opioids shed light on opioid‐induced endocrinopathy. Opioid‐induced hypogonadism (OHG) results upon long‐term opioid therapy. Clinically, patients with OHG are presented mainly by sexual dysfunction and infertility. Opioid clinical use in pain therapy is indispensable. However, the resultant sexual endocrinopathy cannot be overlooked and hence hormonal replacement therapy with regular monitoring of the patients represents a potential therapeutic strategy while avoiding opioids in patients with guaranteed long therapeutic exposure and switching to using low‐dose naltrexone as alternative represents a possible prophylactic measure to ensure therapeutic compliance and secure a good life quality of patients.
Whole faba bean flour exhibits unique expansion characteristics relative to the whole flours of lima, pinto, and red kidney beans during extrusion
Authors: Gu Bon‐Jae , Masli Maria Dian Pratiwi , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: December 2019

Determining the impacts of extrusion conditions on extrudate characteristics of whole beans flours is critical to find the suitable types of beans to use for making direct expanded products. Whole bean flours of four different bean types, faba, lima, pinto, and red kidney, were extruded. The influence of barrel temperature (120, 140, and 160 °C), moisture content (17%, 21%, and 25%), and screw speed (150, 200, and 250 rpm) on process and product responses was studied with a corotating twin screw extruder. The barrel temperature, moisture content, screw speed, and variety of bean had significant influence on process and product responses, back pressure (MPa), torque (N·m), specific mechanical energy (kJ/kg), expansion ratio, water absorption index (g/g), and water solubility index (%) (P < 0.05). Faba bean extrudates had a significantly higher expansion ratio compared to other beans (lima, pinto, and red kidney beans) even though faba bean contained significantly higher protein and higher crude fiber contents (P < 0.05).

Practical Application

The outputs of this research will be helpful to the food industry in the production of high nutrient‐dense food products from whole beans by maintaining the expansion and texture of the products. The data should assist to choose the suitable types of whole bean flours and the optimum processing conditions for making direct expanded extruded products.
Gastrointestinal risk factors and patient‐reported outcomes of ankylosing spondylitis in Korea
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hoon , Park Yong‐wook , Choe Jung‐Yoon , Shin Kichul , Kwon Seong‐Ryul , Cha Jin‐Hye , Kim Young‐Joo , Lee Juneyoung , Kim Tae‐Hwan
Published: December 2019

Aim

This study examined the degree of gastrointestinal (GI) risk and patient‐reported outcomes including GI‐related symptoms, adherence to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease activity and quality of life (QoL) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Cross‐sectional, observational study conducted at six nationwide, university‐based hospitals of Korea. AS patients treated with NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks were included between March and September 2016. Demographic and clinical data were gathered through a medical chart review and patient survey. GI risk was estimated using Standardized Calculator of Risk for Events (SCORE). NSAIDs adherence was investigated with Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8 (MMAS‐8). Disease activity and QoL were examined with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and EuroQol‐3L (EQ‐5D, EQ‐visual analog scale [EQ‐VAS]), respectively. Path analysis was implemented to estimate pathways of GI risk, GI symptoms and NSAIDs adherence to QoL.

Results

A total of 596 patients (age: 38.9 ± 12.6 years, male: 82.1%) participated in the study, of which 33.2% experienced GI symptoms during NSAID treatment, and 34.2% of them showed ongoing GI symptoms upon enrollment. According to SCORE, 37.1% of patients showed moderate to very high GI risk. No patient showed high adherence according to MMAS‐8, so 55.3% of patients with moderate adherence were considered adherent. BASDAI and QoL of the total patients were 3.5 ± 2.0, 0.6 ± 0.3 (EQ‐5D), and 67.4 ± 19.8 (EQ‐VAS), respectively. From path analyses, higher GI risk significantly lowered QoL.

Conclusion

This study suggests timely therapeutic strategies should be implemented to manage GI risk during NSAID treatment in order to effectively manage AS.
SATYRIC NOSTALGIA IN THE AESCHYLEAN TETRALOGY
Authors: COO LYNDSAY
Published: December 2019

This article examines the role of the satyr play in what appears to have been the distinctly Aeschylean form of the thematically connected tetralogy. In all known cases, Aeschylus’ satyr plays move backwards in time, dramatizing episodes that occur either before or within the time frame of their accompanying tragedies. I argue that this chronological dislocation means that the ‘happy endings’ of satyr play must be understood in the light of the events of the preceding trilogy, and can usually be seen as brief interludes of joy within a wider tragic arc. As a result, the satyr play, instead of erasing the effect of its accompanying tragedies, is capable of generating a nostalgic response that intensifies the emotional effect of both genres.
AESCHYLUS’ DIKTYOULKOI: A TYPICALLY ATYPICAL SATYR PLAY?
Authors: O’SULLIVAN PATRICK
Published: December 2019

The story of Danae and her son Perseus on Seriphos, where they are initially rescued by Dictys only to be his molested by his brother Polydectes, appeared in Greek lyric, tragedy, and comedy. Aeschylus’ satyric handling of the story has been read as a light-hearted, romantic romp with Silenos and the chorus acting as benign foster-parents to the infant hero. But Aeschylus gives Silenos and the chorus of satyrs a more menacing identity than they generally had in other plays of this genre. Silenos can be seen as the comical counterpart of Polydectes, and appears to have the full support of his sons, something he clearly does not enjoy in other satyric dramas. The satyrs of the chorus stand in contrast to the often more sympathetic, if clownish, creatures they can be elsewhere. Diktyoulkoi contains elements typical of satyr drama, but in paradoxical ways not without moments of pathos.
Managing crisis
Authors: Reichlin Lucrezia
Published: December 2019

Putting academic theory into practice is key if economists are to play their part in securing stability, says Lucrezia Reichlin
I'm only the auditor…
Authors: Ryans James , Tuna İrem
Published: December 2019

Business failure is often attributed to sharp or illegal accounting practices. But say James Ryans and $IDrem Tuna, history shows we shouldn't rush to blame the auditors
Braving the new world
Authors: Davies Michael
Published: December 2019

No part of the global economy will remain unaffected by the impact of digital technologies. How should you respond in order to thrive? By Michael Davies MBA30(1991)
The shock of the new
Authors: Dimson Elroy , Marsh Paul , Staunton Mike
Published: December 2019

Should investors put money into ground‐breaking industries? Or will they find that their enthusiasm is more likely to entice them into a market bubble that will soon burst? By Elroy Dimson, Paul Marsh and Mike Staunton
Allen Zhang
Authors: Zhang Allen
Published: December 2019

FOUNDER OF CHINESE SUPER APP WECHAT GIVES A RARE INTERVIEW TO JULIAN BIRKINSHAW AND DICKIE LIANG‐HONG KE
Yariv Cohen
Authors: Cohen Yariv
Published: December 2019

ENTREPRENEUR WHOSE INNOVATIVE SOLAR POWER COMPANY IS TRANSFORMING LIVES ACROSS AFRICA
Katerina Tsirimpa
Authors: Tsirimpa Katerina
Published: December 2019

CORPORATE FINANCE EXPERT WHO FOCUSES ON THE HUMAN ELEMENT IN THE DELIVERY OF LARGE AND COMPLEX PROJECTS
Latest faculty insights
Authors: Bernard Darren
Published: December 2019

Corporate disclosure is a double‐edged sword, suggests Darren Bernard
Understanding China
Authors: Erickson Tammy
Published: December 2019

China's Confucian heritage has much to bear on its business customs. Fully understanding that in the West will be critical to building trust, says Tammy Erickson
The impact of exposure to desert dust on infants’ symptoms and countermeasures to reduce the effects
Authors: Itazawa Toshiko , Kanatani Kumiko T. , Hamazaki Kei , Inadera Hidekuni , Tsuchida Akiko , Tanaka Tomomi , Nakayama Takeo , Go Tohshin , Onishi Kazunari , Kurozawa Yoichi , Adachi Yuichi ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: December 2019

Background

The association between particulate matter (PM), including desert dust, and allergic symptoms has not been well studied. We examined whether PM exacerbated nose/eye/respiratory symptoms in infants, with a focus on the desert dust element, and assessed possible countermeasures.

Methods

We conducted a panel study of 1492 infants from October 2014 to July 2016 in 3 regions in Japan as an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Infants’ daily symptom scores and behaviors were acquired by web‐based questionnaires sent to mothers, who answered within a day using mobile phones. Odds ratios (OR) for symptom development per increased fine PM or desert dust exposure were estimated. Regular use of medications and behaviors on the day of exposure were investigated as possible effect modifiers.

Results

Infants developed nose/eye/respiratory symptoms significantly more often in accordance with fine particulate levels (adjusted OR per 10 µg/m3 increase: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.07). A model including both fine particulates and desert dust showed reduced OR for fine particulates and robust OR for desert dust (adjusted OR per 0.1/km increase: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.23). An increased OR was observed both in infants who had previously wheezed and in those who had never wheezed. Receiving information on the particulate forecast, reducing time outdoors, closing windows, and regular use of leukotriene receptor antagonists were significant effect modifiers.

Conclusions

Transborder desert dust arrival increased the risk of nose/eye/respiratory symptoms development in infants. Regular use of leukotriene receptor antagonists and other countermeasures reduced the risk.
β‐1,3‐glucanase rOle e 9 and MnSOD rAsp f 6 IgE reactivity are the signature of atopic dermatitis in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Scala Enrico , Abeni Damiano , Guerra Emma C. , Pirrotta Lia , Locanto Maria , Meneguzzi Giorgia , Giani Mauro , Russo Giandomenico , Asero Riccardo
Published: December 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) represents a chronic skin disorder seriously affecting patients’ QoL and is often associated with immunological imbalance, disorders of the skin barrier function and environmental factors.

Objective

We extensively studied the proteomic IgE sensitization profile in a large AD Mediterranean cohort.

Methods

A total of 588 individuals with moderate‐severe (70.6%) or mild and/or history of (29.4%) AD were evaluated in comparison to 1285 unselected atopic controls (AC) with a history of adverse reactions to foods, allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma by means of ImmunoCAP ISAC112® and Allergy Explorer‐ALEX® microarray analysis.

Results

The olive tree pollen β‐1,3‐glucanase rOle e 9 and the manganese superoxide dismutase from Aspergillus rAsp f 6 were the molecules most significantly associated with AD occurrence and allowed to discriminate among the moderate and severe forms of disease. An IgE hyper‐reactivity to cypress, grasses, olive tree, house dust mites (including rDer p 11), and to all cross‐reactive components except profilin and polcalcin was observed. About 60% of adults with severe AD were sensitized to nsLTPs. Cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) IgE was found in about one‐third of AD participants. Hen eggs nGal d 1 IgE sensitization was more prevalent in the paediatric population, whilst rAsp f 6 and rOle e 9 reactivity was found particularly in older patients. Despite the status of widespread IgE sensitization to both environmental and food allergens, a reduced frequency of patient‐reported severe reactions to food or of asthma was observed in AD patients compared to AC, particularly in case of concomitant Ole e 9 reactivity.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Testing IgE reactivity to a large panel of molecular components unveils important associations between IgE reactivity profiles and AD clinical presentation, highlights the allergens useful for a precise AD signature and allows the detection of interesting sensitisations patterns.
Bone mineral density and fractures in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Findings from the dsd‐LIFE study
Authors: Riehl Gabriel , Reisch Nicole , Roehle Robert , Claahsen van der Grinten Hedi , Falhammar Henrik , Quinkler Marcus
Published: December 2019

Background

In patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) type and doses of glucocorticoids used as well as sex hormone secretion during puberty have important actions on bone mineral density (BMD) in adulthood.

Aim

To evaluate BMD in adult CAH patients depending on current glucocorticoid therapy and on androgen levels in adulthood and at age 16 years.

Methods

We included 244 CAH patients from the dsd‐LIFE cohort (women n = 147, men n = 97; salt‐wasting n = 148, simple‐virilizing n = 71, nonclassical n = 25) in which BMD and bloods were available. Clinical and hormonal data at age 16years were retrieved from patients' files.

Results

Simple‐virilizing women showed lower BMD compared to salt‐wasting women at trochanter (0.65 ± 0.12 vs 0.75 ± 0.15 g/cm2; P < .050), whole femur T‐score (−0.87 ± 1.08 vs −0.16 ± 1.24; P < .05) and lumbar T‐score (−0.81 ± 1.34 vs 0.09 ± 1.3; P < .050). Fracture prevalence did not differ significantly between the CAH groups. Prednisolone vs. hydrocortisone only therapy caused worse trochanter Z‐score (−1.38 ± 1.46 vs −0.47 ± 1.16; P < .050). In women lumbar spine, BMD correlated negatively with hydrocortisone‐equivalent dose per body surface (r2 = 0.695, P < .001). Furthermore, BMI at age 16years correlated positively with lumbar spine T‐score (r2 = 0.439, P = .003) and BMD (r2 = 0.420, P = .002) in women. The androstenedione/testosterone ratio at age 16years correlated positively with lumbar spine Z‐score in women (r2 = 0.284, P = .024) and trochanter Z‐score in men (r2 = 0.600, P = .025).

Conclusion

Higher glucocorticoid doses seemed to cause lower BMD especially in women. Prednisolone appeared to have more detrimental effects on BMD than hydrocortisone. Higher glucocorticoid doses (lower androstenedione/testosterone ratio) during adolescence may cause lower BMD in adulthood.
Revisiting U.S. country of origin labeling trade damage estimates how does an equilibrium displacement model perform under different scenarios
Authors: Hahn William F. , Sydow Sharon S. , Preston Warren P.
Published: December 2019

Mexico and Canada successfully challenged the U.S. mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork as inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, which ultimately led to arbitration over the level of trade lost due to the COOL measure. During this phase of the dispute, Mexico, Canada, and the United States provided the Arbitration Panel with estimates of the trade losses caused by COOL that were produced using different quantitative methods. The U.S. estimates were based on an equilibrium displacement model (EDM). This article presents a version of the EDM used by the U.S. Government to calculate trade losses due to COOL. The Panel developed its own analysis combining econometric analysis and an EDM that used only supply‐side information to calculate changes in Canadian and Mexican livestock trade. The U.S. EDM includes both the supply and demand sides of the market. We use the U.S. EDM and the Panel's assumptions to re‐estimate the value of lost trade due to COOL. The inclusion of demand‐side effects and domestic COOL costs produces lower estimated trade damages than those produced using the Panel's analysis, validating the EDM as a useful quantitative tool for this type of trade policy analysis.
Perspectives of traditional Himalayan communities on fostering coexistence with Himalayan wolf and snow leopard
Authors: Kusi Naresh , Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio , Macdonald David W. , Johnson Paul J. , Werhahn Geraldine
Published: December 2019

The Himalayan wolfCanissp. and snow leopardPanthera unciaare found in the Nepalese Himalayas where conservation efforts target the latter but not the former. We conducted semistructured questionnaire surveys of 71 residents in upper Humla, upper Dolpa, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) during 2014–2016 to understand people's knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and interactions with these two carnivores. We fitted a cumulative link mixed model to predict Likert scale ordinal responses from a series of Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Overall, attitudes were more positive toward snow leopards than wolves. Livestock depredation was the main predictor of the general negative attitude toward wolves (Estimate = −1.30873;p= .029866) but there was no evidence for an effect for snow leopards (Estimate = −0.3640;p= .631446). Agropastoralists had more negative attitudes than respondents with other occupations toward both carnivores and men had more positive attitudes than women. Among our study areas, respondents in the community‐owned KCA had the most positive attitudes. Our findings illustrate the need to reduce human–carnivore conflict through a combined approach of education, mitigation, and economic cost‐sharing with respectful engagement of local communities. Specifically, to encourage more villagers to participate in livestock insurance schemes, they should be improved by including all large carnivores and adjusting compensation to the market value of a young replacement of the depredated livestock type. Carnivore conservation interventions should target the whole predator guild to achieve long‐term success and to protect the Himalayan ecosystem at large.
Downregulation von Loricrin und epitheliale Erkrankungen: ein systematischer Überblick
Authors: Catunda Raisa , Rekhi Umar , Clark Danielle , Levin Liran , Febbraio Maria
Published: December 2019

Die Downregulation von Loricrin wurde mit alterungsbedingten Veränderungen, mit Genodermatosen und entzündlichen Hauterkrankungen assoziiert. Wir stellen die Hypothese auf, dass Veränderungen bei Loricrin eng mit einer veränderten Barrierefunktion verbunden sind und damit mit Störungen, welche die epithelialen Zellen betreffen wie Psoriasis, atopische Dermatitis (AD), Erythrokeratodermie, Loricrin‐Keratodermie (LK) und Parodontitis. Ziel dieser systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ist es, den aktuellen Kenntnisstand zu Assoziationen zwischen einer Downregulation von Loricrin und epithelialen Erkrankungen zusammenzufassen. Die Recherche wurde in folgenden Datenbanken durchgeführt: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS und Google Scholar. Dabei wurden 16 Artikel gefunden. Das Loricrin‐Keratoderm erwies sich als diejenige epitheliale Erkrankung, die am häufigsten mit Mutationen im Loricrin‐Gen assoziiert war (730insG, 709insC und 578insG; 5/7 Fälle [71,44 %]). Die atopische Dermatitis war am häufigsten mit einer Downregulation von Loricrin assoziiert (2/7 Fälle [28,6 %]). Die mutilierende Palmoplantarkeratose, die Erythrokeratodermia progressiva symmetrica und eine neue Variante der Erythrokeratodermie waren nicht mit Mutationen assoziiert. Auf der genetischen Ebene zeigten Patienten mit Parodontitis die stärkste Reduktion (–6,89x), gefolgt von Patienten mit AD (–6,5x) und Psoriasis (–0,5x). Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass Loricrin‐Mutationen und ‐Downregulation mit verschiedenen epithelialen Erkrankungen assoziiert sind. Die Vielfalt der klinischen Erscheinungsformen hängt wahrscheinlich davon ab, ob Loricrin komplett fehlt, eine Fehllokalisation besteht und/oder ob die mutierte Form des Loricrin sich auf die Funktion anderer Proteine auswirkt und/oder eine Verhornungsstörung zur Folge hat.
Schätzung der Prävalenz und Inzidenz von Hautkrebs in Deutschland
Authors: Krensel Magdalene , Petersen Jana , Mohr Peter , Weishaupt Carsten , Augustin Jobst , Schäfer Ines
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund und Ziele

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Prävalenz und Inzidenz von Hautkrebs zu bestimmen.

Patienten und Methodik

Die Prävalenz und Inzidenz des kutanen Melanoms (CM) und des nicht‐melanozytären Hautkrebses (NMSC) in Deutschland wurden anhand von Krankenkassendaten von 2,1 Millionen Versicherten für das Jahr 2012 berechnet. Um Aussagen zu Unterschieden zwischen Untergruppen zu ermöglichen, wurden 95‐%‐Konfidenzintervalle ermittelt. Anschließend wurden die Prävalenz und Inzidenz in Bezug auf die deutsche Bevölkerung standardisiert.

Ergebnisse

Prävalenz und Inzidenz des CM betrugen 0,12 % bzw. 0,04 % und nahmen mit dem Alter zu. Die entsprechenden Werte für NMSC beliefen sich auf 0,65 % bzw. 0,15 %. Von den prävalenten und inzidenten Patienten befanden sich 88,9 % bzw. 87,4 % (CM) sowie 99,4 % bzw. 98,8 % (NMSC) in frühen Erkrankungsstadien. Eine Projektion auf die Gesamtbevölkerung ergab 75 419 Personen, die von CM, und 376 004 Personen, die von NMSC betroffen waren, darunter 24 075 (CM) und 84 618 (NMSC) inzidente Patienten.

Schlussfolgerungen

In der Studie wurden die epidemiologischen Maßzahlen anhand von Hautkrebspatienten ermittelt, bei denen sich im Rahmen einer ärztlichen Konsultation eine Therapienotwendigkeit ergaben. Die Ergebnisse können in künftigen Forschungsarbeiten als Datenbasis für Analysen des medizinischen Versorgungsbedarfs von Hautkrebspatienten sowie der damit verbundenen Kosten herangezogen werden.
Effects of Notch glycosylation on health and diseases
Authors: Urata Yusuke , Takeuchi Hideyuki
Published: December 2019

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway and is essential for cell‐fate specification in metazoans. Dysregulation of Notch signaling results in various human diseases, including cardiovascular defects and cancer. In 2000, Fringe, a known regulator of Notch signaling, was discovered as a Notch‐modifying glycosyltransferase. Since then, glycosylation—a post‐translational modification involving literal sugars—on the Notch extracellular domain has been noted as a critical mechanism for the regulation of Notch signaling. Additionally, the presence of diverse O‐glycans decorating Notch receptors has been revealed in the extracellular domain epidermal growth factor‐like (EGF) repeats. Here, we concisely summarize the recent studies in the human diseases associated with aberrant Notch glycosylation.
Catching Cheating Students
Authors: Lin Ming‐Jen , Levitt Steven D.
Published: December 2019

We develop a simple algorithm for detecting exam cheating between students who copy off one another's exams. When this algorithm is applied to exams in a general science course at a top university, we find strong evidence of cheating by at least 10% of the students. Students studying together cannot explain our findings. Matching incorrect answers proves to be a stronger indicator of cheating than matching correct answers. When seating locations are randomly assigned, and monitoring is increased, cheating virtually disappears.
Lessons from bamboo‐eating pandas and their gut microbiome: Gut microbiome flow and applications
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Hu Ting , Lu Guoqing , Zhu Lifeng
Published: December 2019

The giant panda is one of the most endangered mammals in the world, and many studies have revealed their evolutionary adaptation to the local environment (e.g., dietary cellulose and cyanide) on the evidences from population genetics and their gut microbiome. Here, based on the results of our analysis of the giant panda gut microbiome, we concluded that instability and resilience are the two primary characteristics of the giant panda gut microbiome. This basic information may have an impact on giant panda conservation, as well the management of other animal species.
Trend following deep Q‐Learning strategy for stock trading
Authors: Chakole Jagdish , Kurhekar Manish
Published: December 2019

Computers and algorithms are widely used to help in stock market decision making. A few questions with regards to the profitability of algorithms for stock trading are can computers be trained to beat the markets? Can an algorithm take decisions for optimal profits? And so forth. In this research work, our objective is to answer some of these questions. We propose an algorithm using deep Q‐Reinforcement Learning techniques to make trading decisions. Trading in stock markets involves potential risk because the price is affected by various uncertain events ranging from political influences to economic constraints. Models that trade using predictions may not always be profitable mainly due to the influence of various unknown factors in predicting the future stock price. Trend Following is a trading idea in which, trading decisions, like buying and selling, are taken purely according to the observed market trend. A stock trend can be up, down, or sideways. Trend Following does not predict the stock price but follows the reversals in the trend direction. A trend reversal can be used to trigger a buy or a sell of a certain stock. In this research paper, we describe a deep Q‐Reinforcement Learning agent able to learn the Trend Following trading by getting rewarded for its trading decisions. Our results are based on experiments performed on the actual stock market data of the American and the Indian stock markets. The results indicate that the proposed model outperforms forecasting‐based methods in terms of profitability. We also limit risk by confirming trading actions with the trend before actual trading.
On higher order parameters in cracked composite plates under far‐field pure shear
Authors: Ghouli Saeid , Ayatollahi Majid R. , Nejati Morteza
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the analytical solution of the crack tip fields as well as the crack parameters in an infinitely large composite plate with a central crack subjected to pure shear loading. To this end, the complex variable method is employed to formulate an asymptotic solution for the crack tip fields in an anisotropic plane. Using a stress‐based definition of the crack tip modes of loading, only the mode II crack parameters are found to be non‐zero under pure shear load. Special focus is given to the determination of the higher order parameters of the crack tip asymptotic field, particularly the first non‐singular term, ie, the T‐stress. Unlike the isotropic materials, in which the T‐stress is zero under pure shear, it is found that the T‐stress is non‐zero for the case of anisotropic materials, being the only material‐dependent crack tip stress parameter. The veracity of our exact crack tip fields is assessed and verified through a comparison made with respect to the finite element (FE) solution. Finally, we demonstrate the significance of the T‐stress on stresses near the crack tip in composite plates under pure shear loads.