bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent EEG- and fMRI-derived functional connectomes exhibit linked dynamics
Authors: Wirsich Jonathan , Giraud Anne-Lise , Sadaghiani Sepideh
Published: November 2018

Connectivity across distributed brain regions commonly measured with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) exhibits infraslow (<0.1Hz) spatial reconfigurations of potentially critical importance to cognition. Cognitively relevant neural communication, however, employs synchrony at fast speeds. It is unclear how fast oscillation-coupling across the whole-brain connectome relates to connectivity changes in fMRI, an indirect measure of neural activity. In two datasets, electroencephalography (EEG) revealed that synchronization in all canonical oscillation-bands reconfigures at infraslow speeds, coinciding with connectivity changes in concurrently recorded fMRI in corresponding region-pairs. The cross-modal tie of connectivity dynamics was widely distributed across the connectome irrespective of EEG frequency-band. However, the cross-modal tie was strongest in visual to somatomotor connections for slower EEG-bands, and in connections involving the Default Mode Network for faster EEG-bands. The findings provide evidence that functionally relevant neural synchrony in all oscillation-bands slowly reconfigures across the whole-brain connectome, and that fMRI can reliably measure such dynamics.
Prey’s traits mediate a neotropical toad diet
Authors: McElroy Matthew T. , Donoso David A.
Published: November 2018

B.

Despite the widespread occurrence of myrmecophagy in anurans it is generally unclear whether ant-specialists feed on ants opportunistically or whether they preferentially select for certain species, potentially favoring specific morphological, ecological, or nutritional traits.

We flushed 105 stomachs of a lowland neotropical toad,Rhinella alata, and identified each consumed ant to species level. We used linear selectivity to calculate predator preference by comparing the abundances of consumed species to their abundances in the leaf litter community on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We conducted multiple regression models to test whether linear selectivity or general predator preference related to seven morphological characteristics and two measurements of nutritional content.

Rhinella alatapreferentially harvested 24 ant species. Other species were either avoided (n=34) or were eaten opportunistically (n=26). We found thatR. alatapredominantly preys upon large ants that are textured with hair and/or rugosity and preference for prey did not relate to nutrition content.Rhinella alataavoided small ants even if they were hyper abundant in the environment, and preferentially ate chemically-defended and aggressive ants if they were large enough.

We propose thatR. alataprefers large ants because they represent a more efficient prey item in terms of predator handling time and because they are easier to see than are smaller ants. Furthermore, we hypothesize thatR. alatapredation attempts are more successful when prey are textured because microstructures on the tongue and prey surface may increase prey adhesion.

The ant specialistR. alatais not specializing on any particular ant species but rather maximizing prey quantity over quality by only eating the largest ants, despite their scarcity in the environment.
Distinct dimensions of emotion in the human brain and their representation on the cortical surface
Authors: Koide-Majima Naoko , Nakai Tomoya , Nishimoto Shinji
Published: November 2018

We experience a rich variety of emotions in daily life. While previous emotion studies focused on only a few predefined, restricted emotional states, a recent psychological study found a rich emotional representation in humans using a large set of diverse human-behavioural data. However, no representation of emotional states in the brain using emotion labels has been established on such a scale. To examine that, we used functional MRI to measure blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responses when human subjects watched 3-h emotion-inducing movies labelled with 10,800 ratings regarding each of 80 emotion categories. By quantifying canonical correlations between BOLD responses and emotion ratings for the movie scenes, we found 25 significant dimensions of emotion representation in the brain. Then, we constructed a semantic space of the emotion representation and mapped the emotion categories on the cortical surface. We found that the emotion categories were smoothly represented from unimodal to transmodal regions on the cortical surface. This paper presents a cortical representation of a rich variety of emotion categories, which covers most of the emotional states suggested in traditional theories.
DeepNose: Using artificial neural networks to represent the space of odorants
Authors: Tran Ngoc , Kepple Daniel , Shuvaev Sergey A. , Koulakov Alexei A.
Published: November 2018

The olfactory system employs an ensemble of odorant receptors (ORs) to sense odorants and to derive olfactory percepts. We trained artificial neural networks to represent the chemical space of odorants and used that representation to predict human olfactory percepts. We hypothesized that ORs may be considered 3D spatial filters that extract molecular features and can be trained using conventional machine learning methods. First, we trained an autoencoder, called DeepNose, to deduce a low-dimensional representation of odorant molecules which were represented by their 3D spatial structure. Next, we tested the ability of DeepNose features in predicting physical properties and odorant percepts based on 3D molecular structure alone. We found that despite the lack of human expertise, DeepNose features led to perceptual predictions of comparable accuracy to molecular descriptors often used in computational chemistry. We propose that DeepNose network can extract de novo chemical features predictive of various bioactivities and can help understand the factors influencing the composition of ORs ensemble.
Genetic dissection of Nodal and Bmp signalling requirements during primordial germ cell development
Authors: Senft Anna D. , Bikoff Elizabeth K. , Robertson Elizabeth J. , Costello Ita
Published: November 2018

The essential roles played by Nodal and Bmp signalling during early mouse development have been extensively documented. Here we used conditional deletion strategies to investigate functional contributions made by Nodal, Bmp and Smad downstream effectors during primordial germ cell (PGC) development. We demonstrate that Nodal and its target gene Eomes provide early instructions during formation of the PGC lineage. We discovered that Smad2 inactivation in the visceral endoderm results in increased numbers of PGCs due to an expansion of the PGC niche. Smad1 is required for specification, whereas in contrast Smad4 controls the maintenance and migration of PGCs. Importantly we found that beside Blimp1, down-regulated phosphoSmad159 levels also distinguishes PGCs from their somatic neighbours so that emerging PGCs become refractory to Bmp signalling that otherwise promotes mesodermal development in the posterior epiblast. Thus balanced Nodal/Bmp signalling cues regulate germ cell versus somatic cell fate decisions in the early posterior epiblast.
A genome-wide algal mutant library reveals a global view of genes required for eukaryotic photosynthesis
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Patena Weronika , Fauser Friedrich , Jinkerson Robert E. , Saroussi Shai , Meyer Moritz T. , Ivanova Nina , Robertson Jacob M. , Yue Rebecca , Zhang Ru , Vilarrasa-Blasi Josep , Wittkopp Tyler M. , Ramundo Silvia , Blum Sean R. , Goh Audrey , Laudon Matthew , Srikumar Tharan , Lefebvre Paul A. , Grossman Arthur R. , Jonikas Martin C.
Published: November 2018

Photosynthetic organisms provide food and energy for nearly all life on Earth, yet half of their protein-coding genes remain uncharacterized1,2. Characterization of these genes could be greatly accelerated by new genetic resources for unicellular organisms that complement the use of multicellular plants by enabling higher-throughput studies. Here, we generated a genome-wide, indexed library of mapped insertion mutants for the flagship unicellular algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii(Chlamydomonas hereafter). The 62,389 mutants in the library, covering 83% of nuclear, protein-coding genes, are available to the community. Each mutant contains unique DNA barcodes, allowing the collection to be screened as a pool. We leveraged this feature to perform a genome-wide survey of genes required for photosynthesis, which identified 303 candidate genes. Characterization of one of these genes, the conserved predicted phosphataseCPL3, showed it is important for accumulation of multiple photosynthetic protein complexes. Strikingly, 21 of the 43 highest-confidence genes are novel, opening new opportunities for advances in our understanding of this biogeochemically fundamental process. This library is the first genome-wide mapped mutant resource in any unicellular photosynthetic organism, and will accelerate the characterization of thousands of genes in algae, plants and animals.
Subtractive Interaction Proteomics Reveal a Network of Signaling Pathways Activated by an Oncogenic Transcription Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Guillen Nathalie , Wieske Maria , Otto Andreas , Mian Afsar Ali , Rokicki Michal , Guy Carol , Alvares Caroline , Hole Paul , Held Hannelore , Ottmann Oliver Gerhard , Becher Dörte , Wilson Marieangela , Heesom Kate J. , Ruthardt Martin , Chiriches Claudia
Published: November 2018

Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are characterized by recurrent genomic alterations, often in transcriptional regulators, which form the basis on which current prognostication and therapeutic intervention is overlaid. In AML transformation can often be attributed to single chromosomal aberrations encoding oncogenes, such as t(15;17)-PML/RARα or t(6;9)-DEK/CAN but it is unclear how these aberrant transcription factors drive leukemic signaling and influence cellular responses to targeted therapies. Here we show that by using a novel “subtractive interaction proteomics” approach, the high risk AML-inducing oncogene t(6;9)-DEK/CAN directly activates signaling pathways that are driven by the ABL1, AKT/mTOR, and SRC family kinases. The interplay of these signaling pathways creates a network with nodes that are credible candidates for combinatorial therapeutic interventions. These results reveal specific interdependencies between nuclear oncogenes and cancer signaling pathways thus providing a foundation for the design of therapeutic strategies to better address the complexity of cancer signaling.

Graphical Abstract
“We can feel good”: evaluation of an adapted DBT informed skills programme in medium security
Authors: Ashworth Sarah , Brotherton Natalie
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a routine evaluation of clinical effectiveness of an adapted DBT informed skills programme (“I Can Feel Good”; Ingamells and Morrissey, 2014), run on both male and female intellectual disability wards of a medium security psychiatric hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre–post evaluation study of routine clinical practice was undertaken utilising staff report scales collected as the primary source of evaluation.

Findings

Findings show a positive shift regarding each module for both gender groups. Due to observed baseline differences between gender groups, data were separated and analysed separately. Non-parametric statistical analysis demonstrates statistically significant improvement across three modules for the male sample (managing feelings, coping in crisis and people skills) and two modules for the female sample (managing feelings and people skills).

Originality/value

There appears to be subtle outcome differences regarding this programme for both gender groups across modules. Potential reasons for this are discussed, along with clinical reflections regarding gender differences and adaptations. Reflections upon future revisions including the integration of the new DBT skills (Linehan, 2014) are made in light of these findings.
NPD process formality across global regions
Authors: Kahn Kenneth B.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to address the issue of generalizability by examining process formality across the global regions of North America, Europe and Asia. A common prescription in the new product development (NPD) discipline is to employ a formal process. Because generalizability of this prescription has not been fully investigated across global regions, the present manuscript addresses the issue of generalizability by examining process formality across the global regions of North America, Europe and Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently made available to researchers, data of the Product Development and Management Association’s 2012 Comparative Performance Assessment Study (CPAS) were analyzed. The uniqueness of the 2012 CPAS data set is its global composition with sizable samples from North America, Europe and Asia. Chi-square tests and multivariate analysis of variance were applied.

Findings

Results support use of a formal process, as companies with a formal NPD process perceived higher performance than companies with no standard process. Process formality appears to differ across regions and be influenced by innovation strategy. European firms tended to not use a formal process when pursuing radical innovation, and these firms perceived higher performance. North American firms tended to not use a formal process when pursing incremental innovation, but these firms perceived lower performance.

Practical implications

Having some NPD process is generally better than not having any process at all. Process differences across regions appear to exist when pursuing radical innovation or incremental innovation.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies comparing global regions to examine generalizability of a best practice prescription, namely, the extent to which a formal process should be implemented.
Linking religiosity to citizenship behaviour under
materialism attitude
Authors: Pratono Aluisius Hery
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to understand the complex relationship between religiosity
and citizenship behaviour by examining the role of materialism attitude and
empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a structural equation model with some measures taken
from the previous literature. This study conducted a survey of young people
in Indonesia context and used partial least square to test the proposed
hypothesis.

Findings

The empirical results indicate the mechanism from religiosity to citizenship
behaviour involves empathy. However, under high materialism attitude, an
increasing level of religiosity will have a lower impact on citizenship than
the individual under low materialism attitude.

Originality/value

This study extends to the discussion on the complicated relationship between
religiosity and citizenship behaviour by introducing the moderating effect
of materialism attitude and the mediating effect of empathy.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure
Authors: Saarijärvi Hannu , Joensuu Johanna , Rintamaki Timo , Yrjölä Mika
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) electronic commerce (e-commerce) is shaping contemporary retailing. Despite the fact that a large amount of C2C e-commerce is conducted in social media-based platforms (e.g. Facebook), it has remained an unexplored area of research, though social media as a commercial platform can result in differing customer value and, thus, has potential for consumer experiences that lie beyond the reach of traditional C2C e-commerce actors. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to identify and explore distinct consumer profiles of C2C e-commerce in social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis and cluster analysis are employed to analyze the data from a quantitative survey focusing on C2C e-commerce.

Findings

Four distinct consumer profiles are introduced and discussed: enthusiasts, bargain hunters, salvagers and apathetics. These profiles capture what kind of value consumers perceive in exchanging used goods with other consumers in Facebook.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from one country. Cultural differences in how C2C e-commerce and the role of Facebook are perceived might influence the generalizability of the results. The data set was cross-sectional and based on self-reported data.

Practical implications

First, the study indicates that the social media can offer a unique platform for C2C e-commerce that may result in unique and differentiated consumption experiences. Second, firms should carefully analyze how their existing segments match the consumer profiles presented in this study (enthusiasts, bargain hunters, salvagers, apathetics) to assess future value creation potential and challenges. Third, traditional retailers should evaluate the possibility of acting as a platform for C2C commerce or other types of C2C interaction in order to offer their customers benefits that are characteristic for C2C e-commerce.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempts to profile C2C e-commerce consumers in social media setting. Interestingly, the profiles differ not in terms of traditional consumer demographics, but on the basis of what kind of value they perceive. Altogether, they grant interesting empirical access to explore the potential and implications of social media-based C2C e-commerce.
The evolution of urban wedding consumption in China since 1970s
Authors: Fu Guoqun , Li Yang , Fei Xianzheng
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolution of wedding-related consumption of urban families in China during the past 50 years.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect and analyse data from 157 families in China. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys.

Findings

The findings are as follows: average wedding expenses per family have increased, mainly as a result of the substantial growth of indirect wedding costs; the percentage of total wedding expenses represented by direct costs pertaining to the ritual is trending downwards; the percentage of total wedding expenses borne by the groom’s family is much higher than that borne by the bride’s family, and the gap is enlarging; the proportion of newlyweds living with parents was more than 50 per cent in the 1970s and 1980s, decreased to 10 per cent in the 1990s and began slightly increasing again after 2000.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used signal investment theory to explain the fact that the groom’s family bears more of the wedding expenses than the bride’s family does, but more evidences are needed to verify the theory.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of evolution of wedding consumption of urban families in China, as well as how social and economic factors influence wedding consumptions in different ages, an area with limited previous research. The authors also propose signal investment theory as an alternative explanation to current wedding consumption theories to justify the phenomenon.
Predicting army reserve unit manning using market demographics
Authors: Parker Nathan , Alt Jonathan , Buttrey Samuel , House Jeffrey
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This research develops a data-driven statistical model capable of predicting a US Army Reserve (USAR) unit staffing levels based on unit location demographics. This model provides decision makers an assessment of a proposed station location’s ability to support a unit’s personnel requirements from the local population.

Design/methodology/approach

This research first develops an allocation method to overcome challenges caused by overlapping unit boundaries to prevent over-counting the population. Once populations are accurately allocated to each location, we then then develop and compare the performance of statistical models to estimate a location’s likelihood of meeting staffing requirements.

Findings

This research finds that local demographic factors prove essential to a location’s ability to meet staffing requirements. We recommend that the USAR and US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) use the logistic regression model developed here to support USAR unit stationing decisions; this should improve the ability of units to achieve required staffing levels.

Originality/value

This research meets a direct request from the USAREC, in conjunction with the USAR, for assistance in developing models to aid decision makers during the unit stationing process.
Dynamic resource allocation and coordination for high-load crisis volunteer management
Authors: Garcia Christopher , Rabadi Ghaith , Handy Femida
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Every year volunteers play a crucial role in disaster responses around the world. Volunteer management is known to be more complex than managing a paid workforce, and this is only made worse by the uncertainty of rapidly changing conditions of crisis scenarios. The purpose of this paper is to address the critical problem of assigning tasks to volunteers and other renewable and non-renewable resources simultaneously, particularly under high-load conditions. These conditions are described by a significant mismatch between available volunteer resources and demands or by frequent changes in requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a combination of literature reviews and interviews with managers from several major volunteer organizations, six key characteristics of crisis volunteer resource allocation problems are identified. These characteristics are then used to develop a general mixed integer programming framework for modeling these problems. Rather than relying on probabilistic resource or demand characterizations, this framework addresses the constantly changing conditions inherent to this class of problems through a dynamic resource reallocation-based approach that minimizes the undesirable impacts of changes while meeting the desired and changing objectives. The viability of this approach for solving problems of realistic size and scale is demonstrated through a large set of computational experiments.

Findings

Using a common commercial solver, optimal solutions to the allocation and reallocation problems were consistently obtained in short timespans for a wide variety of problems that have realistic sizes and characteristics.

Originality/value

The proposed approach has not been previously addressed in the literature and represents a computationally tractable method to allocate volunteer, renewable and non-renewable resources to tasks in highly volatile crisis scenarios without requiring probabilistic resource or demand characterizations.
Life narrative to substance use: voices from LGBTQ people
Authors: Sakunpong Nanchatsan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

While there is a growing amount of literature showing that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ people) are more at risk to use substances compared to non-LGBTQ people, there is a gap in knowledge about the exploration of the life narrative, before and the turning point of substance use. The purpose of this paper is to discuss life narrative, before and the turning point of substance use.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten participants from diverse sexual orientation/gender were invited to join this study including queer, lesbian, transgender, gay, tomboy and bisexuals who were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. The narrative qualitative research was used as the research methodology. Each of the participants had in-depth interviews with the research team once or twice, with each time lasting from 30 to 120 min until the saturation of the data. Thematic analysis and the trustworthiness process were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Three themes emerged from this study including the following: life before substance use; life turning point; and motivation to stop using substances. Each theme had several categories to define the theme.

Originality/value

The results of this study can help counseling psychologists and clinicians who work with LGBTQ addicts to become aware that there is not only psychological treatment available for LGBTQ addicts needed for recovery, but also a social movement that promotes equality among LGBTQ people, such as advocacy against oppression with regard to family, school, community and the public.
Does transformational leadership always matter in frontline service roles?
Authors: Sok Keo Mony , Sok Phyra , Snell Lan , Qiu Pingping
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of frontline service employees (FSEs) motivation (enjoyment of work and driven to work) and ability (customer service ability) in the relationship between TFL and employee service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a survey-based study which involves 534 FSEs and 135 supervisors in a hair salon setting. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that TFL is significantly related to employee service performance; this relationship is enhanced with the presence of driven to work; yet, it is neutralized with the presence of enjoyment of work. Further, the three-way interaction of TFL, enjoyment of work and customer service ability as well as TFL driven to work, and customer service ability are negatively associated with employee service performance.

Practical implications

The results advance service managers’ understanding of the importance of FSEs motivation and ability if they are to fully reap the benefits from their FSEs. The role of leader is not always effective in all situations. FSEs with high level of enjoyment of work and customer service ability would least rely on the guidance and support from the supervisors.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to examine the role of subordinate’s characteristics (motivation – enjoyment of work and driven to work and ability – customer service ability) as the key moderators in the relationship between TFL and employee service performance.
Outperformed: how the envy reflex influences status seeking service consumers’ engagement
Authors: Boardman Darren , Raciti Maria M. , Lawley Meredith
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assist service management academics and providers of positional services (i.e. services that provide status attainment benefits to consumers) to better understand how the envy reflex of outperformed consumers operates as an endemic emotional theme that, if properly managed, can be harnessed to improve consumer engagement outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of the research were addressed via two quantitative studies. In a preliminary descriptive study, the types of services consumers classify as “positional” were identified (n=351) and a measure of consumer perceived positional value was developed (n=179). In the main study, a 2 × 2 between-subjects quasi-experimental design was adopted using a sample of positional service consumers (n=265) with the data analysed via SEM and two-way MANCOVA.

Findings

The main study found a significant mediation effect of the envy reflex on the relationship between consumer perceived positional value and the overall likelihood of an engagement intention for outperformed positional service consumers. In addition, specific engagement intentions were predicted for outperformed consumers with a high envy reflex after considering how deserving they perceived a superior performer to be.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the burgeoning scholarly interest in the envy reflex as a consumption emotion by demonstrating its influence on consumer engagement outcomes. The research also demonstrates how tactics informed by appraisal theories of emotion can be used to manage endemic emotional themes in service environments to improve engagement outcomes.
Domestic structure and sub-national foreign policy: an explanatory framework
Authors: El-Dessouki Ayman
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of domestic structure forces on “sub-national” foreign policy (SFP); an analytical concept provides a suitable operational framework for research on international activities of sub-national entities or regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is carried out on the basis of a theoretical framework proposed by the author. First, the dependent variable is defined. Then, domestic structure is broken down into four variables, including legal grounds, the level of autonomy, the type of intergovernmental relations and institutionalization. A comparative method is used to examine the validity of the theoretical framework.

Findings

The paper finds out that domestic structural forces influence level and form of SFP with some regularity. The influence of these forces on SFP can be explained, as they recur and have such consistent effects that they create patterns and regularities in SFP. Such regularities can be detected through systematic analysis.

Originality/value

The topic of SFP is relatively controversial because of academic debate over international agency of substate actors. However, it is a worthwhile subject of research, as it has the potential to revolutionize research in foreign policy analysis. Moreover, the phenomenon of SFP is in need of theorizing and comparison as the literature on SFP is still in its infancy.
The impact of e-commerce adoption on business strategy in Saudi Arabian small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Alzahrani Joman
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of e-commerce on business strategy, especially on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. It also investigates the relationship between e-commerce and business strategy and how the e-commerce niche changes SMEs’ strategic management approach. Additionally, this paper identifies the factors that moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate and examines the impact of e-commerce on business strategy, the study used a quantitative method by conducting a questionnaire survey in Saudi Arabian SMEs.

Findings

The analysis of collected data confirms that e-commerce adoption has an impact on SMEs strategies. Many participants asserted that the introduction of e-commerce in Saudi market has changed their businesses’ plans and strategies. The findings identify the major factors that moderate and predict the relationship between e-commerce and business strategy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by discussing and examining the impact of e-commerce adoption on SMEs strategies in the context of Saudi Arabian SMEs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between e-commerce and business strategies. The findings of this study can benefit SMEs’ owners, managers and employees to understand and acknowledge the impact of e-commerce on their plans and strategies. It also can assist policymakers and governments to develop suitable policies and initiatives.
Instrumental evaluation sensitively detects subclinical skin changes by the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and risk factors for severe acneiform eruption
Authors: Kikuchi Katsuko , Nozawa Keiko , Yamazaki Naoya , Nakai Yasuo , Higashiyama Ayaka , Asano Masayuki , Fujiwara Yutaka , Kanda Shintaro , Ohe Yuichiro , Takashima Atsuo , Boku Narikazu , Inoue Akira , Takahashi Masanobu , Mori Takahiro , Taguchi Osamu , Inoue Yasuhiro , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: November 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI), EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and anti‐EGFR antibodies commonly develop skin toxicities including acneiform eruption (AfE). However, precise skin changes and risk factors for severe AfE are still unclear. The objective of the current study was elucidation of the useful parameters for early and sensitive detection of the skin changes by EGFRI. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin surface hydration, skin surface lipid levels and erythema/melanin index were serially measured for 2 weeks in 19 EGFR‐TKI afatinib/erlotinib‐treated patients and for 8 weeks in 20 anti‐EGFR antibody cetuximab‐treated patients. The TEWL levels of the cheek in the patients who developed AfE of grade 2 and more (AfE ≥ Gr2) were already elevated at 7 days after the initiation of afatinib/erlotinib therapy compared with those before therapy as well as in patients with grade 1 or less (AfE ≤ Gr1). In patients treated with cetuximab, the skin surface hydration on the cheek in AfE ≥ Gr2 patients significantly decreased compared with that of AfE ≤ Gr1 patients at the 2nd and 6th week. Baseline skin surface lipid levels and erythema index on the cheek of patients with AfE ≥ Gr2 were significantly higher than those with AfE ≤ Gr1. The small sample size of the present study, especially for logistic regression analysis, is a limitation. In conclusion, instrumental evaluation declared rapid inflammatory changes of the skin by EGFRI and elucidated oily skin as a risk for severe AfE.
Old English Cyme and the Proto‐Indo‐European Aorist Optative in Germanic
Authors: Kim Ronald I.
Published: November 2018

Although it has long been known that the Germanic subjunctive continues the Proto‐Indo‐European (PIE) optative, and several Germanic strong presents appear to continue reinterpreted PIE aorist subjunctives, the fate of PIE aorist optatives as a morphological category in Germanic has never been explicitly considered. Taking as a starting point Old English cuman ‘come’ and its cognates, the author argues that if the present indicative goes back to the PIE aorist subjunctive *gwém‐e/o‐ of the root *gwem‐ (cf. Vedic gámat(i), Gāθā Avestan jamaitī), this at once explains why the OE present subjunctive cyme with its synchronically irregular i‐umlaut continues the PIE aorist optative of the same root, attested e.g. in Avestan jamiiāt̰. The root vowel of cuman is the result of either language‐specific sound changes as in Old Norse koma and later Old High German coman or, more probably, backformation to cyme; the latter has apparently also taken place in Old Frisian kuma ~ koma, Old Saxon kuman and so may be dated to the period before the breakup of the Ingvaeonic dialect continuum. The remainder of the paper discusses other potential reflexes of PIE root aorist optatives in Germanic, and offers an explanation for their disappearance.
The natural hazard sector's engagement with Indigenous peoples: a critical review of CANZUS countries
Authors: Thomassin Annick , Neale Timothy , Weir Jessica K.
Published: November 2018

Natural hazard management agencies across the settler countries Canada, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the United States (or CANZUS countries) are presently involved in an increasing range of collaborative and consultative engagements with Indigenous peoples. However, perhaps because these engagements are diverse and relatively recent, little has been written about how they emerged and, from these agencies' perspectives, little is known about how these engagements find their motivation within government natural hazard management frameworks. In this article, we review existing academic and grey literature to categorise the origins of recent and present engagements and then identify and elaborate on the key rationales informing natural hazard management agencies' interactions with Indigenous peoples. We argue both that the broad principles of sustainability and inclusion have transformed these interactions and that developmentalist approaches and an overemphasis on Indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge can sometimes undermine this work. Incorporating critiques of settler colonialism relevant to the CANZUS context, this review aims to support established, emerging, and future collaborative engagements by investigating and analysing the literature to date.
Between Dissimulation and Sensation: Female Soldiers in Eighteenth‐Century Warfare
Authors: Füssel Marian
Published: November 2018

In this article women dressed as men serving in early modern armies are interpreted as the ‘normal exceptional’ that allows us to trace the construction of gender roles and female agency as well as the cultural logic behind the standing armies of the period. Looking at examples from Germany, Austria, France and Great Britain, the ‘career’ of the female soldier in eighteenth‐century warfare is situated in the field of tension between dissimulation and sensation. The disclosure of a hidden gender identity not only exposed such women to military justice but also opened up new ‘tactical’ possibilities for self‐fashioning and survival.
Military Mates: From Revolutionary Fraternity to Napoleonic Intimacy in the Memoirs of Sergeant Faucheur
Authors: Martin Brian Joseph
Published: November 2018

The Souvenirs de campagne du Sergent Faucheur recount Narcisse Faucheur's service in Napoleon's armies from 1812 to 1814. Like the memoirs of Sergeant Bourgogne, Faucheur's memoirs provide a moving account of the suffering and survival of Napoleonic soldiers, whose friendships among army foragers, regimental mentors, hometown compatriots and post‐war veterans represent the legacy of Revolutionary fraternité in the ranks of the Grande Armée. Long before nineteenth‐century discourses on ‘homosexuality’ or twentieth‐century debates on ‘gays in the military’, Faucheur's memoirs demonstrate that late eighteenth‐century soldiers shared a range of homosocial and homoerotic intimacies that challenged heteronormative conceptions of gender, sexuality and military masculinity.
Performance of routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID3) in monitoring disease activity of Chinese rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Xie Anzhi , Wang Yu , Deng Xuerong , Geng Yan , Ji Lanlan , Hao Yanjie , Li Guangtao , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: November 2018

Aim

To explore the performance of routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID3) in reflecting disease activity in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Method

The clinical data of 189 consecutive RA patients, including RAPID3 questionnaire, Disease Activity Score based on 28‐joint count (DAS28), clinical disease activity index (CDAI) and simplified disease activity index (SDAI), and ultrasonography of hand and wrist joints were collected. The consistency between RAPID3 and DAS28, CDAI, SDAI in RA patients with different disease activities was performed by Spearman's correlations, kappa and/or weighted kappa coefficients.

Result

RAPID3 score was significantly associated with DAS28 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), DAS28 with C‐reactive protein (CRP), CDAI, SDAI (r = 0.797, 0.786, 0.784, and 0.760 respectively, P < 0.001 for all). RAPID3 was also significantly correlated with tender joint count, swollen joint count, ESR and CRP. The agreement of RAPID3 with DAS28 scoring systems was better in patients with moderate/high disease activity than those in remission/low disease activity. Ultrasonographic subclinical synovitis was presented in 42.3%‐48.6% of patients in remission/low disease activity defined by various scoring criteria including RAPID3 with no significant difference observed (P = 0.22, >0.05).

Conclusion

RAPID3 showed good correlation with DAS28 scoring systems, especially in patients with moderate/high disease activity. RAPID3 is a reliable and convenient tool to monitor disease activity.
Gabapentin Enacarbil Extended‐Release for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Multisite Trial Assessing Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Falk Daniel E. , Ryan Megan L. , Fertig Joanne B. , Devine Eric G. , Cruz Ricardo , Brown E. Sherwood , Burns Heather , Salloum Ihsan M. , Newport D. Jeffrey , Mendelson John , Galloway Gantt , Kampman Kyle , Brooks Catherine , Green Alan I. , Brunette Mary F. , Rosenthal Richard N. , Dunn Kelly E. , Strain Eric C. , Ray Lara , Shoptaw Steven , Ait‐Daoud Tiouririne Nassima , Gunderson Erik W. , Ransom Janet , Scott Charles , Leggio Lorenzo , Caras Steven , Mason Barbara J. , Litten Raye Z. ,   the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Clinical Investigations Group (NCIG) Study Group
Published: November 2018

Background

Several single‐site alcohol treatment clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for immediate‐release (IR) gabapentin in reducing drinking outcomes among individuals with alcohol dependence. The purpose of this study was to conduct a large, multisite clinical trial of gabapentin enacarbil extended‐release (GE‐XR) (HORIZANT®), a gabapentin prodrug formulation, to determine its safety and efficacy in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

Men and women (n = 346) who met DSM‐5 criteria for at least moderate AUD were recruited across 10 U.S. clinical sites. Participants received double‐blind GE‐XR (600 mg twice a day) or placebo and a computerized behavioral intervention (Take Control) for 6 months. Efficacy analyses were prespecified for the last 4 weeks of the treatment period.

Results

The GE‐XR and placebo groups did not differ significantly on the primary outcome measure, percentage of subjects with no heavy drinking days (28.3 vs. 21.5, respectively, p = 0.157). Similarly, no clinical benefit was found for other drinking measures (percent subjects abstinent, percent days abstinent, percent heavy drinking days, drinks per week, drinks per drinking day), alcohol craving, alcohol‐related consequences, sleep problems, smoking, and depression/anxiety symptoms. Common side‐effects were fatigue, dizziness, and somnolence. A population pharmacokinetics analysis revealed that patients had lower gabapentin exposure levels compared with those in other studies using a similar dose but for other indications.

Conclusions

Overall, GE‐XR at 600 mg twice a day did not reduce alcohol consumption or craving in individuals with AUD. It is possible that, unlike the IR formulation of gabapentin, which showed efficacy in smaller Phase 2 trials at a higher dose, GE‐XR is not effective in treating AUD, at least not at doses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating other medical conditions.
4‐Phenylbutyric Acid Protects Against Ethanol‐Induced Damage in the Developing Mouse Brain
Authors: Li Hui , Wen Wen , Xu Hong , Wu Huaxun , Xu Mei , Frank Jacqueline A. , Luo Jia
Published: November 2018

Background

Ethanol (EtOH) exposure during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). One of the most deleterious consequences of EtOH exposure is neuronal loss in the developing brain. Previously, we showed that EtOH exposure induced neuroapoptosis in the brain of postnatal day 4 (PD4) mice but not PD12 mice. This differential susceptibility may result from an insufficient cellular stress response system such as unfolded protein response (also known as endoplasmic reticulum [ER] stress) in PD4 mice. In this study, we compared the effect of EtOH on ER stress in PD4 and PD12 mice and determined whether the inhibition of ER stress could protect the developing brain against EtOH damage.

Methods

We used a third‐trimester equivalent mouse model of FASD. PD4 and PD12 C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with saline (control), EtOH, EtOH plus 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA), a chemical chaperone known as ER stress inhibitor, and 4‐PBA alone. The expression of apoptosis marker, ER stress markers, and markers for glial cell activation was examined in the cerebral cortex.

Results

EtOH induced neuroapoptosis and increased the expression of ER stress markers, such as activating transcription factor 6, 78‐kDa glucose‐regulated protein, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α, mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor, and caspase‐12 in PD4 but not PD12 mice. EtOH exposure also activated microglia and astrocytes. Interestingly, treatment with 4‐PBA attenuated EtOH‐induced neuroapoptosis. Moreover, 4‐PBA inhibited the expression of the aforementioned ER stress markers and EtOH‐induced glial activation in PD4 mice.

Conclusions

ER stress plays an important role in EtOH‐induced damage to the developing brain. Inhibition of ER stress is neuroprotective and may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating FASD.
Histopathological findings of an exposed human pulp carbonised by CO2 laser irradiation: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Masaya , Kato Chikage , Kawashima Satoki , Shinkai Koichi
Published: November 2018

This report shows the healing process of an exposed pulp carbonised by CO2 laser irradiation prior to the application of a capping material. Six intact teeth from four volunteers were irradiated by CO2 laser and randomly capped with either an adhesive resin (SE bond) (n = 3) or calcium hydroxide‐based cement (Dycal) (n = 3). The laser was operated in super‐pulsed mode (power output, 0.5 W) for an irradiation time of 30 s. All cavities were restored with composite resin. Each tooth was extracted at approximately 30, 50 or 260 days post treatment and prepared for histological evaluation. CO2 laser irradiation controlled exudate and bleeding from each exposed pulp. Histological images revealed Dycal promoted complete dentine bridge formation at the carbonised pulp surface, and laser energy affected not only the pulp surface but also the deeper part of the pulp chamber.
Active vaccination against interleukin‐5 as long‐term treatment for insect‐bite hypersensitivity in horses
Authors: Fettelschoss‐Gabriel Antonia , Fettelschoss Victoria , Olomski Florian , Birkmann Katharina , Thoms Franziska , Bühler Maya , Kummer Martin , Zeltins Andris , Kündig Thomas M. , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: November 2018

Background

Insect‐bite hypersensitivity (IBH) in horses is a chronic allergic dermatitis caused by insect bites. Horses suffer from pruritic skin lesions, caused by type‐I/type‐IV allergic reactions accompanied by prominent eosinophil infiltration into the skin. Interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) is the key cytokine for eosinophils and we have previously shown that targeting IL‐5 by vaccination reduces disease symptoms in horses.

Objective

Here, we analyzed the potential for long‐term therapy by assessing a second follow‐up year of the previously published study.

Methods

The vaccine consisted of equine IL‐5 (eIL‐5) covalently linked to a cucumber mosaic virus‐like particle (VLP) containing a universal T cell epitope (CuMVTT) using a semi‐crossover design to follow vaccinated horses during a second treatment season. Thirty Icelandic horses were immunized with 300 μg of eIL‐5‐CuMVTT without adjuvant.

Results

The vaccine was well tolerated and did not reveal any safety concerns throughout the study. Upon vaccination, all horses developed reversible anti‐eIL‐5 auto‐antibody titers. The mean course of eosinophil levels was reduced compared to placebo treatment leading to significant reduction of clinical lesion scores. Horses in their second vaccination year showed a more pronounced improvement of disease symptoms when compared to first treatment year, most likely due to more stable antibody titers induced by a single booster injection. Hence, responses could be maintained over two seasons and the horses remained protected against disease symptoms.

Conclusion

Yearly vaccination against IL‐5 may be a long‐term solution for the treatment of IBH and other eosinophil‐mediated diseases in horses and other species including humans.