bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coregulation of ribosomal RNA with hundreds of genes contributes to phenotypic variation
Authors: Li Bo , Kremling Karl A.G. , Wu Penghao , Bukowski Robert , Romay Maria C. , Xie En , Buckler Edward S. , Chen Mingsheng
Published: August 2018

Ribosomal repeats occupy 5% of a plant genome, yet there has been little study of their diversity in the modern age of genomics. Ribosomal copy number and expression variation present an opportunity to tap a novel source of diversity. In the present study, we estimated the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) copy number and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) expression for a population of maize inbred lines and investigated the potential role of rDNA and rRNA dosage in regulating global gene expression. Extensive variation was found in both ribosomal DNA copy number and ribosomal RNA expression among maize inbred lines. However, rRNA abundance was not consistent with the copy number of the rDNA. We have not found that the rDNA gene dosage has a regulatory role in gene expression; however, thousands of genes are identified to be coregulated with rRNA expression, including genes participating in ribosome biogenesis and other functionally relevant pathways. We further investigated the potential roles of copy number and the expression level of rDNA on agronomic traits and found that both correlated with flowering time but through different regulatory mechanisms. This comprehensive analysis suggested that rRNA expression variation is a valuable source of functional diversity that affects gene expression variation and field-based phenotypic changes.
Determination of the miscibility gap in the solid solutions series of methylammonium lead iodide/chloride
Authors: Franz Alexandra , Többens Daniel M. , Steckhan Julia , Schorr Susan
Published: August 2018

Perovskites are widely known for their enormous possibility of elemental substitution, which leads to a large variety of physical properties. Hybrid perovskites such as CH3NH3PbI3(MAPbI3) and CH3NH3PbCl3(MAPbCl3) are perovskites with anA[XII]B[VI]X[II]3-structure, whereAis an organic molecule,Bis a lead(II) cation andXis a halide anion of iodine or chlorine. Whereas MAPbCl3crystallizes in the cubic space group Pm{\overline 3}m, MAPbI3is in the tetragonal space groupI4/mcm. The substitution of I by Cl leads to an increased tolerance against humidity but is challenging or even impossible due to their large difference in ionic radii. Here, the influence of an increasing Cl content in the reaction solution on the miscibility of the solid solution members is examined systematically. Powders were synthesized by two different routes depending on the I:Cl ratio. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray data are used to establish values for the limits of the miscibility gap which are 3.1 (1.1) mol% MAPbCl3in MAPI and 1.0 (1) mol% MAPbI3in MAPCl. The establishment of relations between average pseudo-cubic lattice parameters for both phases allows a determination of the degree of substitution from the observed lattice parameters.
Towards excellence in managing the public-sector project cycle: a TQM context
Authors: Gomes Carlos F. , Small Michael H. , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the management of public-sector projects in Portugal paying particular attention to the extent to which total quality management (TQM) principles are being utilized in such projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive review of the literature, nine propositions are advanced about the interrelationships among seven factors that were identified, in a previous study, as having some influence on the management process in the planning and implementation of public-sector projects in Portugal. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate these propositions using data obtained from 211 respondents to a survey of project managers from municipalities across Portugal.

Findings

The results of the structural equation model indicate that the TQM components working in tandem with project-management-specific variables provide a systematic means of managing the planning and implementation stages of projects, with technical items being critical in the planning stage and softer management items becoming important in the implementation stage.

Research limitations/implications

Readers should be careful not to generalize the findings in a global context or for private sector projects. However, researchers are encouraged to extend this study by including other planning and implementation variables with a view to discerning what particular characteristics of a project make it more amenable to TQM solutions.

Practical implications

The findings are presented to show how the key components of TQM, customer focus, employee involvement and continuous involvement, can be applied during the planning and implementation stages of projects.

Originality/value

The sample size of 211 is representative of the underlying population of project managers in municipalities across Portugal and is comparatively large in relation to other empirical project management studies from Portugal, lending credence to the generalizability of these finding to public-sector projects in Portugal.
Assessing sustainability within territorial and urban heritage
Authors: Del Espino Hidalgo Blanca
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to assess urban sustainability within built, urban, territorial and landscape heritage, considering that cultural heritage has recently emerged as one of the keys of urban and territorial sustainability due to its inherent properties of durability and adaptability to changes over time. The implementation pivots on a case study based on medium-sized historical cities. Both academic and official documents consider this urban category as particularly likely to demographic, environmental and economic sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used begins with a theoretical approach, case study delimitation and presentation of existing indicator-based systems that include heritage concerns. Then, the criteria for the selection and creation of indicators are settled to create an ad hoc system. This is tested for the case study of medium-sized historical cities in inner Andalusia, Spain.

Findings

The results obtained are merged and represented for further discussion. First, this methodology states the need of including cultural heritage aspects within sustainability assessment, especially when urban and territorial historic fabrics are involved. Second, a correlation between heritage preservation and the general level of sustainability is revealed.

Originality/value

Finally, the results provide the basis for decisions to academic, technical and administrative spheres regarding urban and territorial sustainability, especially when dealing with the incorporation of cultural heritage factors and the assessment of medium-sized cities-based case studies.
Seismic time‐lapse imaging using interferometric least‐squares migration: Case study
Authors: Sinha Mrinal , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: August 2018

Seismic time‐lapse surveys are susceptible to repeatability errors due to varying environmental conditions. To mitigate this problem, we propose the use of interferometric least‐squares migration to estimate the migration images for the baseline and monitor surveys. Here, a known reflector is used as the reference reflector for interferometric least‐squares migration, and the data are approximately redatumed to this reference reflector before imaging. This virtual redatuming mitigates the repeatability errors in the time‐lapse migration image. Results with synthetic and field data show that interferometric least‐squares migration can sometimes reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by non‐repeatability in time‐lapse surveys and provide a high‐resolution estimate of the time‐lapse change in the reservoir.
Temperature sensitivities of microbial plankton net growth rates are seasonally coherent and linked to nutrient availability
Authors: Morán Xosé Anxelu G. , Calvo‐Díaz Alejandra , Arandia‐Gorostidi Nestor , Huete‐Stauffer Tamara Megan
Published: August 2018

Recent work suggests that temperature effects on marine heterotrophic bacteria are strongly seasonal, but few attempts have been made to concurrently assess them across trophic levels. Here, we estimated the temperature sensitivities (using activation energies, E) of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial plankton net growth rates over an annual cycle in NE Atlantic coastal waters. Phytoplankton grew in winter and late autumn (0.41 ± 0.16 SE d−1) and decayed in the remaining months (−0.42 ± 0.10 d−1). Heterotrophic microbes shared a similar seasonality, with positive net growth for bacteria (0.14–1.48 d−1), while nanoflagellates had higher values (> 0.4 d−1) in winter and spring relative to the rest of the year (−0.46 to 0.29 d−1). Net growth rates activation energies showed similar dynamics in the three groups (−1.07 to 1.51 eV), characterized by maxima in winter, minima in summer and resumed increases in autumn. Microbial plankton E values were significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations as a proxy for nutrient availability. Nutrient‐sufficiency (i.e., > 1 μmol l−1 nitrate) resulted in significantly higher activation energies of phytoplankton and heterotrophic nanoflagellates relative to nutrient‐limited conditions. We suggest that only within spatio‐temporal windows of both moderate bottom‐up and top‐down controls will temperature have a major enhancing effect on microbial growth.
Understanding (Mis)classification Trends of Latin Americans in Fordisc 3.1: Incorporating Cranial Morphology, Microgeographic Origin, and Admixture Proportions for Interpretation
Authors: Hughes Cris E. , Dudzik Beatrix , Algee‐Hewitt Bridget F.B. , Jones Ansley , Anderson Bruce E.
Published: August 2018

Assigning correct population affinity to a skeleton can contribute important information to an investigation—yet recent work highlights high error rates when classifying Latinos with a traditional tool, Fordisc 3.1 (FD3). Our study examines whether misclassification trends exist, and whether these can be used to infer population affinity. We examine the relationships among ancestry, geography, and FD3 misclassifications of Latinos using canonical variate analysis and unsupervised model‐based clustering of craniometrics. Northern Mexicans appear more strongly associated with FD3 references samples with elevated amounts of European ancestry (e.g., American Blacks and Whites), while Southern Mexicans are more strongly associated with FD3 reference samples with reduced amounts of European ancestry (e.g., Guatemalans and Native Americans). FD3 classifications revealed that Latinos exhibited lower posterior probabilities when compared to other common case demographics (Whites and African Americas), even when the classification was “correct.” We make recommendations for practitioner interpretation of FD3 reports for casework.
Advice and recipes for invalid and convalescent cookery in Australian cookbooks 1860–1950
Authors: Williams Peter
Published: August 2018

Aims

The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of recipes about invalid cookery in Australian cookbooks published from 1860 to 1950; describe the dishes regarded as suitable for invalids and summarise the advice about how best to feed invalids or convalescents in the home.

Methods

Using published bibliographies, the Trove database, and the author's private collection, all available cookbooks published in Australia up to 1950 were reviewed and all recipes and advice about feeding invalids were recorded.

Results

Eight hundred and eighty‐nine book titles were examined and 25% contained some recipes specifically designed for people who were sick or convalescing. One thousand, four hundred and seventy‐one different recipes were recorded with more than half for beverages, desserts and soups. The most common recipes were for beef tea, barley water, gruel and meat broths. Advice about feeding focused on the food requirements of invalids, safe and appealing meal service, cooking methods and suitable food choices. The recipes and advice did not appear to change substantially over the nine decades and most did not appear to be based on any clear scientific evidence.

Conclusions

Many of the general principles of invalid cookery in these books are similar to the requirements of the light diet, commonly used in Australian hospitals up until the 1980s. Further research into the source and rationale for the advice in these books would be worthwhile.
Safety of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration in patients with lung cancer within a year after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Gil Hyun‐Il , Choe Junsu , Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Um Sang‐Won , Jeon Kyeongman , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O Jung , Chang Yoon Soo , Lee Kyungjong
Published: August 2018

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) may be necessary for patients with incidental lung cancer during or after coronary intervention. Although EBUS‐TBNA is quite safe, the safety in patients who recently received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of EBUS‐TBNA in patients with lung cancer who underwent PCI within one year.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 24 patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA within one year after PCI between May 2009 and June 2017. Cardiovascular complications (death, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and acute heart failure) were assessed as primary outcomes. Procedural‐related complications were assessed as secondary outcomes.

Results

The coronary artery diseases requiring PCI were: myocardial infarction (n = 10), unstable angina (n = 10), stable angina (n = 2), and silent ischemia (n = 2). The median interval between PCI and EBUS‐TBNA was 125 days (interquartile range: 66–180). Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response temporarily occurred in one patient after EBUS‐TBNA. No other significant cardiovascular complications were encountered. Fifteen patients were administered an anti‐thrombotic agent the day of EBUS‐TBNA, while four had ceased taking the agent < 4 days before EBUS‐TBNA, however, there was no significant bleeding among those patients.

Conclusion

EBUS‐TBNA was safe and did not cause serious adverse events in patients with lung cancer who required tissue confirmation or mediastinal staging within one year after PCI. Incidental lung cancer found during or after a coronary intervention should be actively evaluated by EBUS‐TBNA.
Expression and regulation of metallothioneins in myometrium and fetal membranes
Authors: Lappas Martha
Published: August 2018

Problem

Metallothioneins (MTs) play important roles in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone signaling. These processes play a major role in labor at term and preterm. The aims of this study were to characterize (a) temporal‐ and labor‐associated changes and (b) the effect of pro‐inflammatory and pro‐labor insults on the expression of MT1 isoforms, MT2A, MT3, and MT4 in fetal membranes and myometrium.

Method of Study

The expression of MTs was assessed in fetal membranes and myometrium from nonlaboring and laboring women at preterm and term by RT‐qPCR. Tissue explants were used to assess the effect of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands on the expression of MTs in fetal membranes and myometrium.

Results

In fetal membranes, the expression of MT1A, MT1E, MT1F, MT1X, and MT2A was higher at term compared with preterm. Preterm labor and preterm histological chorioamnionitis were associated with increased expression of MT1A, MT1G, MT1M, MT1X, MT2A, and MT3. Term labor was associated with increased expression of MT1A, MT1F, MT1X, MT2A, and MT3 in fetal membranes and expression of MT1A, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1M, MT1X, MT2A, and MT3 in myometrium. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines and TLR ligands increased the expression of MT1A, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1H, MT1X, and MT2A in fetal membranes and myometrium.

Conclusion

Temporal‐, labor‐, and infection‐associated increases in MT1 isoforms, MT2A, and MT3 have been observed in fetal membranes and/or myometrium. Furthermore, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and bacterial and viral products increased the expression of MT1 isoforms, MT2A, MT3, and MT4 mRNA expression in fetal membranes and myometrium.
Men's expectations and experiences of fertility awareness assessment and counseling
Authors: Sylvest Randi , Koert Emily , Vittrup Ida , Birch Petersen Kathrine , Hvidman Helene W , Hald Finn , Schmidt Lone
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Men play an important role in couples' decisions about the timing of parenthood and they tend to delay parenthood. The reasons for delaying childbearing are multifaceted and complex. Their decisions may be based on a lack of accurate information about the reproductive life span and the consequences of delaying parenthood. The aim of this study was to explore men's expectations and experiences of fertility counseling.

Material and methods

Data were collected through semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 21 men attending either the Fertility Assessment and Counseling Clinic in Copenhagen or in Horsens, Denmark. The men had no known fertility problems before going to the fertility counseling. They were interviewed before and after fertility counseling.

Results

The men were not concerned about their fertility before going to counseling. They believed they would be able to conceive whenever they wanted. Three of them had low semen quality and felt “punched in the gut” when they received these results at the fertility counseling. The study participants preferred clear and concrete information, and relevant knowledge at the right time was very important. The men felt empowered after the fertility counseling because they were equipped with concrete information that could inform their parenthood plans and decisions. Even the men who received unexpected bad news felt positive about the counseling. The participants perceived their knowledge and awareness of risk factors concerning fertility had increased.

Conclusions

Men may benefit from an individualized approach where their fertility is assessed and they receive tailored fertility counseling specific to their personal fertility results. This type of intervention may be effective in increasing men's fertility awareness because it is personally relevant.
Impact of Heart Rate on Pulsatile Hemodynamic Performance in a Neonatal ECG‐Synchronized ECLS System
Authors: Wang Shigang , Moroi Morgan K. , Force Madison , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif
Published: August 2018

The experimental circuit consisted of an i‐cor diagonal pump, a Medos Hilite 800 LT oxygenator, an 8Fr Biomedicus arterial cannula, a 10Fr Biomedicus venous cannula, and six feet of 1/4 in ID tubing for arterial and venous lines. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at various heart rates (90, 120, and 150 bpm) and flow rates (200, 400, and 600mL/min) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile mode with pulsatile amplitudes of 1000–4000rpm (1000 rpm increments). Real‐time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. The i‐cor pump was capable of creating nonpulsatile and electrocardiography (ECG)‐synchronized pulsatile flow, and automatically reducing pulsatile frequency by increasing the assist ratio at higher heart rates. Reduced pulsatile frequency led to lower hemodynamic energy generation but did not affect circuit pressure drop. Pulsatile flow delivered more hemodynamic energy to the pseudopatient when compared with nonpulsatile flow. The pump generated more hemodynamic energy with higher pulsatile amplitudes. The i‐cor pump can automatically adjust the pulsatile assist ratio to create pulsatile flow at higher heart rates, although this caused some hemodynamic energy loss. Compared with nonpulsatile flow, pulsatile flow generated and transferred more hemodynamic energy to the neonate during ECLS (200–600mL/min), especially at high pulsatile amplitudes and low flow rates.
Blood Purification With CytoSorb in Critically Ill Patients: Single‐Center Preliminary Experience
Authors: Calabrò Maria Grazia , Febres Daniela , Recca Gaia , Lembo Rosalba , Fominskiy Evgeny , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Zangrillo Alberto , Pappalardo Federico
Published: August 2018

The CytoSorb adsorber, a blood purification therapy, is able to remove molecules in the 5–60 kDa range which comprises the majority of inflammatory mediators and some endogenous molecules. We aimed to evaluate CytoSorb therapy on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. A retrospective case series study, from February 2016 to May 2017, was performed in 40 patients with multiple organ failure who received CytoSorb treatment. There were 28 patients with cardiogenic shock, 2 with septic shock, 9 with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 1 with liver failure. Nineteen patients (47%) underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 11 (27%) had an intra‐aortic balloon pump, 9 (22%) were implanted with Impella, 6 (15%) had a ventricular assist device, and 18 (45%) were treated with continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration. After CytoSorb treatment, total bilirubin decreased from 11.6 ± 9.2 to 6.8 ± 5.1 mg/dL (P = 0.005), lactate from 12.1 ± 8.7 to 2.9 ± 2.5 mmol/L (P < 0.001), CPK from 2416 (670–8615) to 281 (44–2769) U/L (P < 0.001) and LDH from 1230 (860–3157) to 787 (536–1148) U/L (P < 0.001). The vasoactive‐inotropic score after 48 h of treatment was reduced to 10 points, P = 0.009. Thirty‐day mortality was 55% and ICU mortality was 52.5% at expected ICU mortality of 80%. Our study shows that CytoSorbTM treatment is effective in reducing bilirubin, lactate, CPK and LDH, in critically ill patients mainly due to cardiogenic shock. There is a need for randomized controlled trials to conclude on the potential benefits blood purification with CytoSorb in critically ill patients.
LVAD Pump Flow Does Not Adequately Increase With Exercise
Authors: Gross Christoph , Marko Christiane , Mikl Johann , Altenberger Johann , Schlöglhofer Thomas , Schima Heinrich , Zimpfer Daniel , Moscato Francesco
Published: August 2018

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) restore cardiovascular circulatory demand at rest with a spontaneous increase in pump flow to exercise. The relevant contribution of cardiac output provided by the LVAD and ejected through the aortic valve for exercises of different intensities has been barely investigated in patients. The hypothesis of this study was that different responses in continuous recorded pump parameters occur for maximal and submaximal intensity exercises and that the pump flow change has an impact on the oxygen uptake at peak exercise (pVO2). Cardiac and pump parameters such as LVAD flow rate (QLVAD), heart rate (HR), and aortic valve (AV) opening were analyzed from continuously recorded LVAD data during physical exercises of maximal (bicycle ergometer test) and submaximal intensities (6‐min walk test and regular trainings). During all exercise sessions, the LVAD speed was kept constant. Cardiac and pump parameter responses of 16 patients for maximal and submaximal intensity exercises were similar for QLVAD: +0.89 ± 0.52 versus +0.59 ± 0.38 L/min (P = 0.07) and different for HR: +20.4 ± 15.4 versus +7.7 ± 5.8 bpm (P < 0.0001) and AV‐opening with 71% versus 23% of patients (P < 0.0001). Multi‐regression analysis with pVO2 (R2 = 0.77) showed relation to workload normalized by bodyweight (P = 0.0002), HR response (P = 0.001), AV‐opening (P = 0.02), and age (P = 0.06) whereas the change in QLVAD was irrelevant. Constant speed LVADs provide inadequate support for maximum intensity exercises. AV‐opening and improvements in HR show an important role for higher exercise capacities and reflect exercise intensities. Changes in pump flow do not impact pVO2 and are independent of AV‐opening and response in HR. An LVAD speed control may lead to adequate left ventricular support during strenuous physical activities.
BUILDING THE MANAGERIAL CAPITAL OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN AFRICA
Authors: FRANCESCONI Gian Nicola , WOUTERSE Fleur
Published: August 2018

Agricultural cooperatives in Africa tend to be community‐based organizations defined by principles of inclusion, voluntarism, democracy, equity, autonomy, mutuality and solidarity. This means that they generally operate in accordance with the principles endorsed by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). However, only a few of these organizations are successful in commercializing the agricultural produce of their members. In this study, we argue that growth‐problems leading to commercial failure and organizational degeneration in these cooperatives can be attributed to a lack of managerial capital. Drawing on the literature and evidence from the field we set out key management solutions for counterbalancing cooperative principles in the context of rural Africa. These solutions were taught to the leaders and managers of 362 cooperatives at four training events held in Madagascar, Malawi and twice in Uganda. Using a production function for cognitive achievement and key informant interviews, we find that our training contributed to the adoption of the proposed solutions by some of the cooperatives. Using the Ugandan sub‐ sample, we estimate an OLS regression and a PSM model to show that the training translated into higher revenues per member generated through collective commercialization.
Survival of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli water isolates in lake and well water
Authors: Nilsson Anna , Johansson Cecilia , Skarp Astrid , Kaden René , Bertilsson Stefan , Rautelin Hilpi
Published: August 2018

The role of water for transmission of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli to humans might be underestimated, as factors important for bacterial viability in water are largely unknown. We have studied water survival of seven C. jejuni and eight C. coli isolates originally isolated from Swedish waters, together with selected reference strains, over eight days at 4 °C in the dark in untreated water collected from a local lake and a private well. To study seasonality, lake water samples were collected during spring and autumn. Samples for culturable bacterial counts were taken on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 and compared to the start inoculum. For C. jejuni, a significantly better survival was observed in autumn than in spring lake water. Furthermore, C. jejuni had a significantly better survival than C. coli in autumn lake and well water samples; the rate of culturability loss was almost double for C. coli in autumn lake water. These findings contribute to a better understanding on the seasonality of waterborne Campylobacter infections and the general predominance of C. jejuni.
Increased levels of serum miR‐148a‐3p are associated with prostate cancer
Authors: Dybos Sandra Amalie , Flatberg Arnar , Halgunset Jostein , Viset Trond , Rolfseng Toril , Kvam Solveig , Skogseth Haakon
Published: August 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer and the fifth leading cause of death among men worldwide. The tools for diagnosing PCa have limited value, and to improve correct diagnosis there is a need for markers that can contribute to a more precise diagnosis, which would lead to proper treatment of only those patients who need it. Micro RNA (miRNA) plays a key role in the development of cancer and is therefore a potential marker for PCa. Next‐generation sequencing was used to discover differences in miRNA expression between serum samples from PCa patients and healthy controls, and the results were validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Detection of the miRNA of interest was attempted in prostate tissue by in situ hybridization. All samples were collected in collaboration with Biobank1®. By miRNA sequencing of serum samples, significant expression of some miRNAs in patients with PCa and healthy controls was detected. This study showed that miR‐148a‐3p is upregulated in men with PCa, and the miRNA is differentially expressed in PCa patients compared to healthy controls. The results also showed that miR‐148a‐3p is located in prostate tissue.
CD8+ and CD163+ infiltrating cells and PD‐L1 immunoexpression in oral leukoplakia and oral carcinoma
Authors: Stasikowska‐Kanicka Olga , Wągrowska‐Danilewicz Małgorzata , Danilewicz Marian
Published: August 2018

Overexpression of inhibitory checkpoint PD1/PD‐L1 plays an important role in carcinogenesis and patients prognosis. 70 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 23 cases of oral leukoplakia (OLK), and 19 control cases were immunohistochemically stained with anti‐PD‐L1, ‐CD8, and ‐CD163 antibodies. PD‐L1 was expressed on dysplastic and subepithelial infiltrating cells of OLK as well as on cancer and tumor‐infiltrating cells of OSCC. In OSCC, PD‐L1 immunoexpression was significantly increased in comparison to OLK, and control groups. The correlative study showed significant correlations between the immunoexpression of PD‐L1 and the number of CD8+, CD163+ cells in both OLK and OSCC groups. We found also significant negative correlation between the number of PD‐L1+ infiltrating cells and the number of CD8+ cells in OSCC, and positive correlation between the number of PD‐L1+ infiltrating cells and CD163+ cells in OLK and OSCC groups. In conclusion, our study indicate that CD163+ and CD8+ infiltrating cells influence the early and subsequent stages of oral carcinogenesis. We demonstrated also that studied tumors may evade the host immune system by PD‐L1 immunoexpression not only on epithelial cells but on infiltrating cells as well.
Power Imbalance and Employee Silence: The Role of Abusive Leadership, Power Distance Orientation, and Perceived Organisational Politics
Authors: Lam Long W. , Xu Angela J.
Published: August 2018

Employee silence is a costly but omnipresent phenomenon in modern organisations. In this study, we focus on two forms of silence: defensive silence based on fear and acquiescent silence based on resignation. Given the power imbalance in supervisor–subordinate relationships, we hypothesise that abusive supervision is an antecedent of subordinates’ defensive silence and that a subordinate’s power distance orientation affects acquiescent silence. We investigate the interaction effects of abusive supervision and power distance orientation on these two types of silence. Perceived organisational politics may also aggravate such interactive effects. Based on data collected from 159 junior employees in China in two periods, we find that abusive supervision is associated with employee defensive silence and moderates high‐power‐distance employees’ tendency to engage in acquiescent silence. When perceiving high politics in the organisation, high‐power‐distance employees are more sensitive to abusive supervision and engage in more defensive silence. A highly political organisational context also accentuates abusive supervision’s moderating effect on the relation between employees’ power distance orientation and acquiescent silence. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications for the silence literature.
More than g: Evidence for the Incremental Validity of Performance‐Based Assessments for Predicting Training Performance
Authors: Nye Christopher D. , Chernyshenko Oleksandr S. , Stark Stephen , Drasgow Fritz , Phillips Henry L. , Phillips Jeffrey B. , Campbell Justin S.
Published: August 2018

Past research has consistently shown that tests measuring specific cognitive abilities provide little if any incremental validity over tests of general mental ability when predicting performance on the job. In this study, we suggest that the seeming lack of incremental validity may have been due to the type of content that has traditionally been assessed. Therefore, we hypothesised that incremental validity can be obtained using specific cognitive abilities that are less highly correlated with g and are matched to the tasks performed on the job. To test this, we examined a recently developed performance‐based measure that assesses a number of cognitive abilities related to training performance. In a sample of 310 US Navy student pilots, results indicated that performance‐based scores added sizeable incremental validity to a measure of g. The significant increases in R2 ranged from .08 to .10 across criteria. Similar results were obtained after correcting correlations for range restriction, though the magnitude of incremental validity was slightly smaller (ΔR2 ranged from .05 to .07).
Randomised controlled trial of the effect of concentration of progesterone before artificial insemination on fertility in ovulatory and anovulatory Bos indicus cattle
Authors: Cavalieri J , Gaina C , Hepworth G
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of concentration of progesterone (P4) before artificial insemination (AI) on fertility in ovulatory or anovulatory Bos indicus cattle.

Design

Randomised control study

Methods

The study included 162 heifers and 96 lactating cows. On days −10 to −12, animals were examined using transrectal ultrasound, administered PG and examined for a corpus luteum (CL). Those with a CL were allocated to Experiment 1. On day 0 they were administered an intravaginal progesterone‐releasing device (IVD) containing progesterone (P4) (0.78 g), oestrodiol benzoate (ODB) and either saline or PG to induce high and low circulating P4 concentrations, respectively. Those without a CL were re‐examined on day 0 and those without a CL at both examinations were allocated to Experiment 2. Cows and heifers were treated with an IVD containing P4 at 0.78 g or 1.56 g to induce low or high P4 concentrations, respectively. IVDs were removed on day 7 and PG and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were administered. Females in oestrus on day 9 were inseminated; others were administered ODB and inseminated 22–26 h later.

Results

Greater concentrations of circulating P4 increased the odds of pregnancy to AI in anovulatory females (P = 0.008), but decreased the odds of pregnancy in one year but not another in ovulatory animals (P × year, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Manipulating P4 concentrations before AI has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes to AI in B. indicus females, but treatment may need to vary between animals classified as anovulatory or ovulatory.
Effect of carcase decomposition on the inactivation of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus under northern Australian conditions
Authors: Hunnam J , Duff K , Wingett M , Brayley E , Williamson G
Published: August 2018

Objective

The control of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) across northern Australia would likely result in animal carcases that will often be inaccessible for disposal. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine whether the natural pH and/or temperature changes that occur within the skeletal muscle and/or body cavities of a decomposing carcase shot and left in situ in this environment would be sufficient to inactivate FMDV.

Methods

Study pigs (n = 30), cattle (6), sheep (6) and goats (8) were shot in one of four locations in Queensland. Carcase temperature and pH and ambient temperature were measured every 15–60 min for up to 46 h in two sites per animal: central (thoracic/abdominal cavity) and peripheral (skeletal muscle) or brain. A target pH ≤ 6.0 at any time and/or a target temperature ≥ 43°C for ≥ 7 h or ≥ 49°C for ≥ 1 h were used as proxies for achievement of FMDV inactivation.

Results

The target temperature was achieved in only one goat carcase. However, within 16 h of death, the target central and/or peripheral pH was attained in 88–100% of pig, cattle and sheep carcases. Increasing hours since death and death in the late morning/afternoon, relative to the early morning, were positively associated with attaining the target central carcase pH.

Conclusion

This preliminary study provided evidence that FMDV inactivation may be achieved in the skeletal muscle and/or body cavities of carcases left under northern Australian conditions, though further work on pH changes in bone marrow are required.
Children with specific language impairment are more likely to reach motor milestones late
Authors: Diepeveen F. Babette , van Dommelen Paula , Oudesluys‐Murphy Anne Marie , Verkerk Paul H.
Published: August 2018

Background

Delayed language development without an obvious cause is considered an isolated developmental disorder and is called specific language impairment (SLI). SLI is probably the most prevalent developmental disorder in childhood with a generally cited prevalence of 7%. This study aimed to investigate whether SLI is always an isolated disorder or if children with SLI also have delayed motor development.

Methods

We used data of an earlier study with a prospective nested case‐control design in which developmental data were collected from child health care files. Cases were children (4–11 years) with diagnosed SLI. They were matched by sex and date of birth with control children attending mainstream education. Data of both groups on seven gross and six fine motor milestones which had been registered in the Dutch Developmental Instrument between the ages of 15–36 months were retrieved from child health care files.

McNemar tests were performed to test for differences in reaching motor milestones at the age norm between the case and control group.

Results

Data from 253 children in each group were available. A significant difference was found between both groups in the proportion failing to reach three of the seven investigated gross motor milestones at the age norm (p < 0.05). The proportion of children not reaching the motor milestone at the age norm was significantly higher for five of the six fine motor milestones in children with SLI compared with control children (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

More children with SLI are late in reaching motor milestones than children without SLI. This means that it is debatable whether SLI can be regarded as a “specific” impairment, which is not associated with other developmental problems. A broader developmental assessment is therefore indicated when diagnosing SLI.
Surgery, radiotherapy or a combined modality for jugulotympanic paraganglioma of Fisch class C and D
Authors: Jansen Thijs T. G. , Kaanders Johannes H. A. M. , Beute Guus N. , Timmers Henri J. L. M. , Marres Henri A. M. , Kunst Henricus P. M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To identify the risks associated with surgery, radiotherapy or a combined treatment approach for Fisch class C and D jugulotympanic paraganglioma, in order to develop an individualised approach for each patient depending on Fisch class, age, mutation presence, tumour size growth rate and presenting symptoms.

Design

A retrospective multicenter cohort study with all patient records of patients with a head and neck paraganglioma in the Radboudumc, Nijmegen and the St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Main outcome measures

Local control, cranial nerve damage, complications, function recovery.

Results

We found highest local control rates after tumour debulking with postoperative radiotherapy in case of residual tumour growth, referred to as the combined treatment group, (100%; n = 19), which was significantly higher than the surgical group (82%; n = 17; P = 0.00), but did not differ from the radiotherapy group (90%; n = 29). There were significantly less complications in the radiotherapy group, when compared to surgery (63 vs 27%; P = 0.002) and the combined group (44 vs 27%; P = 0.016). Furthermore,: using a logistic regression model, we found that pretreatment tumour growth was a negative predictor for post‐treatment cranial nerve function recovery (OR = 50.178, P = 0.001), reducing the chance of symptom recovery (67.3% vs 35.7%) post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy should be the treatment of choice for the elderly. For younger patients, tumour debulking should be considered, with potential radiotherapy in case of residual tumour growth.
Fluoroscopic balloon diameter measurement at different pressures during Eustachian balloon dilation
Authors: Kang Byung Chul , Kang Woo Seok , Park Jun Woo , Park Jung‐Hoon , Kim Kun Yung , Song Ho‐Young , Park Hong Ju
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To measure the diameter of inflated balloons at different pressures during Eustachian tube (ET) balloon dilation under fluoroscopic guidance.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic referral centre.

Participants

Eighteen patients who underwent ET balloon dilation with use of a balloon catheter, 20 mm long and 6 mm in diameter, under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance.

Main outcome measures

Degrees of inflation at three different portions (proximal, middle and distal) of the balloon at controlled pressures (3, 5, 8 and 10 atmospheres [atm]) and at the maximum pressure manually applied.

Results

The mean proximal, middle and distal diameters of the inflated balloons were 5.3 ± 0.4 mm, 5.3 ± 0.4 mm and 4.9 ± 0.5 mm at 10 atm. The distal diameters were significantly smaller than middle and proximal diameters at all the pressures (P < 0.01). When compared to the distal diameter (100%, 4.9 ± 0.5 mm) at 10 atm, the distal diameters were 73% (3.6 ± 0.6 mm) at 3 atm, 88% (4.3 ± 0.5 mm) at 5 atm and 96% (4.7 ± 0.4 mm) at 8 atm. The distal diameter (4.1 ± 0.3 mm) at the maximum pressure manually applied was in between those at 3 and 5 atm.

Conclusions

The distal diameter of the balloon increased significantly as a function of the pressure and most (88%) inflation occurred at a low pressure of 5 atm, which was sufficient to inflate the distal diameter of the balloon more than 3 mm. The manual pressurisation could inflate a balloon by as much as could be expected, at between 3 and 5 atm.
Services in Developing Economies: The Deindustrialization Debate in Perspective
Authors: Di Meglio Gisela , Gallego Jorge , Maroto Andrés , Savona Maria
Published: August 2018

This study contributes to the debate on the premature deindustrialization of developing countries by analysing the contribution of services to aggregate productivity and output growth within a Kaldorian framework. The article revisits Kaldor's Growth Laws and empirically tests them for a number of economic activities, including four service branches across 29 developing economies in Asia, Latin America and sub‐Saharan Africa over three decades (1975–2005). Panel data estimations are complemented by a shift‐share decomposition of labour productivity growth. The findings support the Kaldorian argument for both manufacturing and business services’ contribution to aggregate productivity growth. Conversely, other services slow down aggregate productivity and output growth. The authors suggest qualifying and repositioning the debate on premature deindustrialization within a broader reflection on the opportunities for development linked to structural change. The analysis claims that these opportunities might include not only manufacturing sectors, but also business services.
Expanding the indication of endoscopic papillectomy for T1a ampullary carcinoma
Authors: Yamamoto Kenjiro , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Honjo Mitsuyoshi , Mukai Shuntaro , Fujita Mitsuru , Asai Yasutsugu , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Nagakawa Yuichi
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has been attempted not only for benign lesions but also for early ampullary carcinoma (AC). However, there is still no sufficient evidence or consensus regarding the effectiveness of EP for early AC. Herein, we evaluated the expanding indication of EP for early AC.

Methods

Between May 1999 and December 2016, 177 patients were diagnosed with ampullary tumor before undergoing EP, and their clinical and histopathological data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

There were 27 Tis‐T1a AC patients and four T1b AC patients who underwent EP. Mean tumor size was 14.1 mm for Tis‐T1a AC and 17.0 mm for T1b AC. For the histological grade, 50% (2/4) of T1b AC were moderately differentiated, whereas 96.3% (26/27) of Tis‐T1a AC were well differentiated and papillary. For lymphovascular invasion, one (25%) occurred in T1b AC but none occurred in Tis‐T1a AC. There was no AC recurrence from the date of EP until a maximum of 5 years (Tis‐T1a: mean period 48.5 months [5–60]; T1b: mean period 26.5 months [3–60]).

Conclusions

Endoscopic papillectomy is useful and reliable for the curative treatment of T1a AC. Large‐scale prospective studies with long‐term follow up are needed.
Behaviors speak louder than explicit reports: Implicit metacognition in 2.5‐year‐old children
Authors: Geurten Marie , Bastin Christine
Published: August 2018

Recent research has shown that children as young as age 3.5 show behavioral responses to uncertainty although they are not able to report it explicitly. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that some form of metacognition is already available to guide children's decisions before the age of 3. Two groups of 2.5‐ and 3.5‐year‐old children were asked to complete a forced‐choice perceptual identification test and to explicitly rate their confidence in each decision. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to ask for a cue to help them decide if their response was correct. Our results revealed that all children asked for a cue more often after an incorrect response than after a correct response in the forced‐choice identification test, indicating a good ability to implicitly introspect on the results of their cognitive operations. On the contrary, none of these children displayed metacognitive sensitivity when making explicit confidence judgments, consistent with previous evidence of later development of explicit metacognition. Critically, our findings suggest that implicit metacognition exists much earlier than typically assumed, as early as 2.5 years of age.
Barriers and facilitators to attendance at Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes: a qualitative study of educators and attendees
Authors: Mc Sharry J. , Dinneen S. F. , Humphreys M. , O'Donnell M. , O'Hara M. C. , Smith S. M. , Winkley K. , Byrne M.
Published: August 2018

Aims

Attendance at structured diabetes education has been recommended internationally for all people with Type 2 diabetes. However, attendance rates are consistently low. This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of attending and delivering Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes in Ireland and barriers and facilitators to attendance.

Methods

People with Type 2 diabetes who had attended one of the three programmes delivered in Ireland and educators from the three programmes took part in semi‐structured telephone interviews. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Twelve attendees and 14 educators were interviewed. Two themes were identified in relation to experiences of programme attendance and delivery: ‘Structured education: addressing an unmet need’ and ‘The problem of non‐attendance’. The third theme ‘Barriers to attendance: can't go, won't go, don't know and poor system flow’ outlined how practicalities of attending, lack of knowledge of the existence and benefits, and limited resources and support for education within the diabetes care pathway impacts on attendance. The final theme ‘Supporting attendance: healthcare professionals and the diabetes care pathway’ describes facilitators to participants’ attendance and the strategies educators perceived to be important in increasing attendance.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals have an important role in improving attendance at structured diabetes education programmes. Improving attendance may require promotion by healthcare professionals and for education to be better embedded and supported within the diabetes care pathway.