bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the contours and limits of “irresistible inference”
Authors: Foo Kenny
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In R v Anwoir [2008] EWCA Crim 1354, the English Court of Appeal held that, in money laundering prosecutions, the criminal provenance of property can be proved by showing that the circumstances in which the property was handled give rise to the irresistible inference that it can only have been derived from crime. The purpose of this paper is to analyse subsequent developments that have revealed the contours, and some of the limits, of proof by “irresistible inference”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the reported cases in which an “irresistible inference” was drawn and identifies the features common to most of them. It then explores the limits of proof by “irresistible inference” by reference to the continuing relevance of predicate offences and the use of money laundering tools and techniques for non-laundering purposes.

Findings

Most of the cases in which an “irresistible inference” was drawn fall within a narrow compass of five categories. The breadth of the principle is constrained by the characteristics of the predicate offence, and its usefulness is limited in cases where the typologies of the predicate offence and the money laundering offence overlap significantly.

Originality/value

This paper may be useful to those involved in prosecuting or defending money laundering cases, as well as regulated persons assessing their money laundering risks and disclosure obligations.
Integration of perovskite Pb[Zr0.35Ti0.65]O3/HfO2 ferroelectric-dielectric composite film on Si substrate
Authors: Singh Prashant , Jha Rajesh Kumar , Goswami Manish , Singh B.R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of high-k material HfO2 as a buffer layer for the fabrication of metal-ferroelectric-insulator-silicon (MFeIS) structures on Si (100) substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

RF-sputtered Pb[Zr0.35Ti0.65]O3 or (PZT) and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposited HfO2 films were selected as the ferroelectric and high-k buffer layer, respectively, for the fabrication of metal-ferroelectric-insulator-silicon (MFeIS) structures on Si (100) substrate. Multiple angle ellipsometry and X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to obtain the crystal orientation, refractive index and absorption coefficient parameters of the deposited/annealed films. In the different range of annealing temperature, the refractive index was observed in the range of 2.9 to 2 and 1.86 to 2.64 for the PZT and HfO2 films, respectively

Findings

Electrical and ferroelectric properties of the dielectric and ferroelectric films and their stacks were obtained by fabricating the metal/ferroelectric/silicon (MFeS), metal/ferroelectric/metal, metal/insulator/silicon and MFeIS capacitor structures. A closed hysteresis loop with remnant polarization of 4.6 µC/cm2 and coercive voltage of 2.1 V was observed in the PZT film annealed at 5000 C. Introduction of HfO2 buffer layer (10 nm) improves the memory window from 5.12 V in MFeS to 6.4 V in MFeIS structure with one order reduction in the leakage current density. The same MFeS device was found having excellent fatigue resistance property for greater than 1010 read/write cycles and data retention time more than 3 h.

Originality/value

The MFeIS structure has been fabricated with constant PZT thickness and varied buffer layer (HfO2) thickness. Electrical characteristics shows the improved leakage current and memory window in the MFeIS structures as compared to the MFeS structures. Optimized MFeIS structure with 10-nm buffer layer shows the excellent ferroelectric properties with endurance greater than E10 read/write cycles and data retention time higher than 3 h. The above properties indicate the MFe(100 nm)I(10 nm)S gate stack as a potential candidate for the FeFET-based nonvolatile memory applications.
Automatic enrollment and employer match: an experiment with the choice of pension plans
Authors: Pereira Antonio Gualberto , Afonso Luís Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify arrangements of fully funded defined contribution (FF-DC) pension plans associated with the continuity of retirement savings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted an experimental design composed of a control group and two treatment groups. In all groups, individuals made decisions throughout nine periods: five during the working period and four at the postretirement stage. The authors asked participants if they wanted to join a pension plan, and which plan. The authors offered three plans with different risk profiles: plan 1 (high risk), plan 2 (moderate) and plan 3 (low risk) and one risk-free plan, plan 4. In treatment groups 1 and 2, there was an automatic enrollment of the participants in the default plan (moderate risk), and in the following periods they had to decide whether to continue contributing, and in this case, to which plan, with a defined percentage.

Findings

In treatment scenarios, participants chose the riskiest plan in all periods of the experiment, and most of them chose the risk-free plan in period 5. These findings suggest that pension plans with automatic enrollment, employer matching and low risk foster the continuation of retirement savings.

Research limitations/implications

The research has as limitation the fact that the sample is not representative of the population and therefore does not allow generalizations. This is because the authors use social media ads to prospect respondents.

Practical implications

The research's findings can be relevant for the design of public policies for private pension plans, suggesting that compulsory automatic enrollment can be used as default in plans offered by the employers. The results encourage the inclusion of behavioral elements in the design of the pension system, paying attention to the nudges. In this sense, it is possible to increase participation in the pension plan and develop low cost programs to increase the amount accumulated by people before retirement.

Social implications

Decision-making architecture, such as automatic enrollment, can improve individuals' retirement decisions, affecting savings and welfare in the long run.

Originality/value

Although the effect of pension plan designs is widely studied in other countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom, the authors are unaware of a national empirical research that seeks to understand how different arrangements affect an individual choice through an experiment.
Do government expenditures and institutions drive growth? Evidence from developed and developing economies
Authors: Sidek Noor Zahirah Mohd , Asutay Mehmet
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Most empirical studies on the government expenditure-economic growth nexus suggest a negative relationship between the size of the government expenditures and economic growth especially government consumption expenditures. Given these findings, the government should focus on development expenditures and reduce non-development expenditures for higher economic growth. However, the authors argue that this may not be the case, as government consumption expenditures along with better institutional quality promote growth via reduced corruption, reduction of political risks and good governance. The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidences that both government consumption and development expenditure promote growth in the presence of better institutional quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper re-examines the impact of government expenditures on growth whilst controlling institutional factors for a sample of 30 developed and 91 developing countries from 1984 to 2017. Government expenditure is segregated into consumption and development expenditures.

Findings

The results are consistent with existing findings where government consumption expenditures have a negative effect on growth and government development expenditures contribute positively towards growth. However, when the authors conditioned government consumption expenditures with institutional variables, results suggest that in the presence of good institutions, both government consumption and development expenditures promote growth.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper suggest that in the presence of good institutions, government consumption expenditures will contribute positively towards growth. The results are relatively consistent for both developing and developed economies, which suggests the importance of institutional factors leading to a parallel movement towards long run growth path. In other words, long run economic growth is driven by a similar institutional environment.

Originality/value

Both developed and developing countries show similar reactions towards consumption and development expenditures. This indicates that despite the level of development, government expenditures do contribute positively towards growth especially in the presence of better-quality institutions.
Disability, Reasonable Accommodation and the Employer's Obligations: Nano Nagle School v Daly
Authors: Ryan Desmond , Bell Mark
Published: June 2020

The duty on employers to provide reasonable accommodation is a well‐established component of disability discrimination legislation, yet it continues to generate litigation in many jurisdictions. This article examines a recent decision of the Irish Supreme Court concerning the extent of the employer's obligations where, after having acquired an impairment, a worker is no longer able to perform all of the functions of her original job. The case also addressed the question of what procedures should be followed by an employer when considering the provision of reasonable accommodation, as well as the need for courts to justify awards of compensation. The issues in Irish law were intertwined with obligations arising from EU and international law instruments. Therefore, the decision is pertinent for other jurisdictions confronting similar challenges.
Who Builds Cities in China? How Urban Investment and Development Companies Have Transformed Shanghai
Authors: Jiang Yanpeng , Waley Paul
Published: June 2020

While there is general acceptance that urban governance in China is entrepreneurial in nature, little has been written about the precise ways in which Chinese cities implement entrepreneurial policies. In this article we argue that the primary agents of urban entrepreneurialism in China are urban investment and development companies (UIDCs), known in Chinese as chengtou for short. We start by defining UIDCs as a category of state‐owned enterprise, but one that is wholly owned by local (often city) governments. We note that in the literature UIDCs are generally recognized for their involvement in raising funds for projects and piling up hidden debts, but their multiple roles in urban development tend to be neglected. We introduce here four UIDCs that have been largely responsible for the transformation of Shanghai into a modern city spearheading Chinese state entrepreneurialism, and in doing so we delineate the full range of the activities of these urban business empires. We argue in particular that they represent a corporate involvement by the state in urban development—the state presenting itself in the guise of a market player, a corporate entity able to raise funds and act as if it were a private company. UIDCs are the driving force behind China's urban entrepreneurialism and are without a clear parallel elsewhere.
Effect of sodium citrate on lactose crystallization in concentrated whey
Authors: Pereira João Pablo Fortes , Melquíades Laís Lima , Stephani Rodrigo , de Oliveira Luiz Fernando Cappa , Perrone Ítalo Tuler , de Carvalho Antônio Fernandes
Published: June 2020

Lactose crystallization, in concentrated whey, is considered a crucial step for drying efficiency as it impacts both production and spray dryer adhesion. The current study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of sodium citrate in concentrated whey may influence lactose crystallization during a simulated industrial condition. Based on the following results sodium citrate addition increases the final percentage of lactose crystallization in concentrated whey. Under practical conditions, dairy industries could add sodium citrate to the concentrated whey to improve lactose crystallization and powder stability (regarding stickiness and caking).
bitacora: A comprehensive tool for the identification and annotation of gene families in genome assemblies
Authors: Vizueta Joel , Sánchez‐Gracia Alejandro , Rozas Julio
Published: June 2020

Gene annotation is a critical bottleneck in genomic research, especially for the comprehensive study of very large gene families in the genomes of nonmodel organisms. Despite the recent progress in automatic methods, state‐of‐the‐art tools used for this task often produce inaccurate annotations, such as fused, chimeric, partial or even completely absent gene models for many family copies, errors that require considerable extra efforts to be corrected. Here we present bitacora, a bioinformatics solution that integrates popular sequence similarity‐based search tools and Perl scripts to facilitate both the curation of these inaccurate annotations and the identification of previously undetected gene family copies directly in genomic DNA sequences. We tested the performance of bitacora in annotating the members of two chemosensory gene families with different repertoire size in seven available genome sequences, and compared its performance with that of augustus‐ppx, a tool also designed to improve automatic annotations using a sequence similarity‐based approach. Despite the relatively high fragmentation of some of these drafts, bitacora was able to improve the annotation of many members of these families and detected thousands of new chemoreceptors encoded in genome sequences. The program creates general feature format (GFF) files, with both curated and newly identified gene models, and FASTA files with the predicted proteins. These outputs can be easily integrated in genomic annotation editors, greatly facilitating subsequent manual annotation and downstream evolutionary analyses.
Accreditation without Impact: The Case of Accreditation by Professional Accounting Bodies in Australia
Authors: Timpson Mel , Bayerlein Leopold
Published: June 2020

Australian tertiary accounting education relies on a variety of accreditation processes to develop, manage and assure the learning outcomes of students. This research focuses on the impact of professional accounting body accreditation on Australian higher education providers (HEPs). It explores the process and rigour with which HEPs utilise the objectives and standards within this accreditation process to evaluate and improve their degree programs. This research uses interview data with HEP staff who have led accreditation processes of bachelor‐level accounting degrees. Data were analysed using a narrative framework to establish a range of discourses that explore the engagement of HEPs with: the process; the level of trust HEP staff have in the process; and the processes’ benefits. This research demonstrates that the current accreditation process does not achieve its stated outcomes and is unable to improve the alignment of student learning with professional expectations. Professional body accreditation fails to achieve its objectives because HEPs consider accreditation to be a ‘tick‐box’ process without consequence and are mistrustful of the veracity of several aspects within the process. Building on these findings, this research provides insights into the challenges associated with accreditation and explores how a previously impactful accreditation process has become largely inconsequential.
Reconstructing feminist perspectives of women’s bodies using a globalized view: The changing surrogacy market in Japan
Authors: Yanagihara Yoshie
Published: June 2020

This paper aims to evoke an alternative viewpoint on surrogacy, moving beyond popular Western feminist beliefs on the practice, by introducing the history and current context of East Asian surrogacy. To elaborate a different cultural perspective on surrogacy, this paper first introduces the East Asian history of contract pregnancy systems, prior to the emergence of the American invention of ‘modern’ surrogacy practice. Then, it examines Japanese mass media portrayals of cross‐border surrogacy in which white women have become ‘convenient’ entities. The results of the analysis show how Japanese culture has adopted a rhetoric about the use of white women as convenient surrogate mothers in the global commercial surrogacy market. An essential aspect of surrogacy is the premise that a woman’s reproductive function should be accessible to others. Past discussions among feminists have neglected this important point. Moreover, they share the assumption that white surrogacy clients are exploiters, who take advantage of women of colour as surrogate mothers. The current situation in Asia flips this perspective—with white women regarded as easier targets for exploitation by wealthy people of colour. For Asian clients, Westerners can be easily regarded as ‘others’ whom they can use for their reproductive needs. In today's globalized era, the surrogacy industry is no longer for affluent Westerners only. Considering this change, it is crucial to discuss surrogacy issues by reconstructing feminist perspectives with a globalized view, to help protect women’s bodies, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, skin colour, or religion.
Effect of intra‐ and inter‐tumoral heterogeneity on molecular characteristics of primary IDH‐wild type glioblastoma revealed by single‐cell analysis
Authors: Xiong Zujian , Yang Qi , Li Xuejun
Published: June 2020

Aims

To reveal the effects of intra‐ and inter‐tumoral heterogeneity on characteristics of primary IDH‐wild type glioblastoma cells.

Methods

Single‐cell RNA‐seq data were acquired from the GEO database, and bulk sample transcriptome data were downloaded from the TCGA database with clinical information. Neoplastic subtype and glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs) were identified by matching 5000 random virtual samples based on ssGSEA. CNV was inferred to compare the heterogeneity among patients and subtypes by infercnv. Transition direction was inferred by RNA velocity, and lineage trajectory was inferred by monocle. Regulon network of cells was analyzed by SCENIC, and cell communication was identified by CellPhoneDB.

Results

Glioblastoma (GBM) cells could be divided into four subtypes by Verhaak classifier. However, classification of three subtypes (except NE subtype) was more suitable for GBM cells, and Verhaak classifier has difficulty in distinguishing GSCs. GBM heterogeneity and GBM cells’ regulon network were mainly influenced by inter‐tumoral heterogeneity. Within the same patient, different subclones exist in the same subtype of cells whose transition direction could be predicted by regulon similarity. Apart from inter‐tumoral heterogeneity, different subtype of cells share common subtype‐specific cell‐cell communications.

Conclusions

Inter‐tumoral heterogeneity contributes mainly to GBM heterogeneity and cell molecular characteristics. However, the same subtype of cells shared cell communication similarities.
Cut‐off values to evaluate exercise‐induced asthma in eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test for children
Authors: Burman Janne , Elenius Varpu , Lukkarinen Heikki , Kuusela Tom , Mäkelä Mika J. , Kesti Olli , Väätäinen Katri , Maunula Maria , Remes Sami , Jartti Tuomas
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

The eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) testing is a diagnostic tool for diagnostics of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction; while the testing has become more common among children, data on the test's feasibility among children remain limited. Our aim was to investigate EVH testing feasibility among children, diagnostic testing cut‐off values, and which factors affect testing outcomes.

Methods

We recruited 134 patients aged 10–16 years with a history of exercise‐induced dyspnoea and 100 healthy control children to undergo 6‐min EVH testing. Testing feasibility was assessed by the children's ability to achieve ≥70% of the target minute ventilation of 30 times forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Bronchoconstriction was assessed as a minimum of 8%, 10%, 12%, 15% or 20% fall in FEV1. Patient characteristics were correlated with EVH outcomes.

Results

Overall, 98% of the children reached ≥70%, 88% reached ≥80%, 79% reached ≥90% and 62% reached ≥100% of target ventilation in EVH testing; of children with a history of exercise‐induced dyspnoea, the decline percentages were as follows: 24% (≥8% fall), 17% (≥10% fall), 10% (≥12% fall), 6% (≥15% fall) and 5% (≥20% fall) in FEV1, compared to 11%, 4%, 3%, 1% and 0% among the healthy controls, respectively. Healthy controls and boys performed testing at higher ventilation rates (p < .05).

Conclusion

Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation testing is feasible among children aged 10–16 years and has diagnostic value in evaluating exercise‐induced dyspnoea among children. A minimum 10% fall in FEV1 is a good diagnostic cut‐off value. Disease status appears to be important covariates.
Novel traction method for pharyngeal endoscopic submucosal dissection using ring‐shaped thread and grasping forceps
Authors: Matsuno Kenshi , Miyamoto Hideaki , Tanaka Motohiko
Published: June 2020

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Reelin dorsal horn neurons co‐express Lmx1b and are mispositioned in disabled‐1 mutant mice
Authors: Yvone Griselda M. , Chavez‐Martinez Carmine L. , Nguyen Amanda R. , Wang Deborah J. , Phelps Patricia E.
Published: June 2020

Mice missing either Reelin or Disabled‐1 (Dab1) exhibit dorsal horn neuronal positioning errors and display heat hypersensitivity and mechanical insensitivity. Reelin binds its receptors, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 and very low‐density lipoprotein receptor, leading to the recruitment and phosphorylation of Dab1 and activation of downstream pathways that regulate neuronal migration. Previously, we reported that 70% of Dab1 laminae I–II neurons co‐expressed LIM‐homeobox transcription factor 1‐beta (Lmx1b). Here, we asked whether Reelin‐expressing dorsal horn neurons co‐express Lmx1b, are mispositioned in dab1 mutants, and contribute to nociceptive abnormalities. About 90% of Reelin‐labeled neurons are Lmx1b‐positive in laminae I–II, confirming that most Reelin and Dab1 neurons are glutamatergic. We determined that Reelin‐Lmx1b and Dab1‐Lmx1b dorsal horn neurons are separate populations, and together, comprise 37% of Lmx1b‐positive cells within and above the Isolectin B4 (IB4) layer in wild‐type mice. Compared to wild‐type mice, dab1 mutants have a reduced area of laminae I–II outer (above the IB4 layer), more Reelin‐Lmx1b neurons within the IB4 layer, and fewer Reelin‐Lmx1b neurons within the lateral reticulated area of lamina V and lateral spinal nucleus. Interestingly, both Reelin‐ and Dab1‐labeled dorsal horn neurons sustain similar positioning errors in mutant mice. After noxious thermal and mechanical stimulation, Reelin, Lmx1b, and Reelin‐Lmx1b neurons expressed Fos in laminae I–II and the lateral reticulated area in wild‐type mice and, therefore, participate in nociceptive circuits. Together, our data suggest that disruption of the Reelin‐signaling pathway results in neuroanatomical abnormalities that contribute to the nociceptive changes that characterize these mutant mice.
Network level characteristics in the emotion recognition network after unilateral temporal lobe surgery
Authors: Huang Yun‐An , Dupont Patrick , Van de Vliet Laura , Jastorff Jan , Peeters Ron , Theys Tom , van Loon Johannes , Van Paesschen Wim , Van den Stock Jan , Vandenbulcke Mathieu
Published: June 2020

The human amygdala is considered a key region for successful emotion recognition. We recently reported that temporal lobe surgery (TLS), including resection of the amygdala, does not affect emotion recognition performance (Journal of Neuroscience, 2018, 38, 9263). In the present study, we investigate the neural basis of this preserved function at the network level. We use generalized psychophysiological interaction and graph theory indices to investigate network level characteristics of the emotion recognition network in TLS patients and healthy controls. Based on conflicting emotion processing theories, we anticipated two possible outcomes: a substantial increase of the non‐amygdalar connections of the emotion recognition network to compensate functionally for the loss of the amygdala, in line with basic emotion theory versus only minor changes in network level properties as predicted by psychological construction theory. We defined the emotion recognition network in the total sample and investigated group differences on five network level indices (i.e. characteristic path length, global efficiency, clustering coefficient, local efficiency and small‐worldness). The results did not reveal a significant increase in the left or right temporal lobectomy group (compared to the control group) in any of the graph measures, indicating that preserved behavioural emotion recognition in TLS is not associated with a massive connectivity increase between non‐amygdalar nodes at network level. We conclude that the emotion recognition network is robust and functionally able to compensate for structural damage without substantial global reorganization, in line with a psychological construction theory.
Merleau‐Ponty on painting and the problem of reflection
Authors: Jerndal Emma C.
Published: June 2020

The challenge of “catching experience in the act” is commonly recognized as a problem for phenomenological reflection. After tracing this “problem of reflection” to its origin in Natorp's Allgemeine Psychologie and discussing Husserl's critical response, I argue that Merleau‐Ponty recognizes that a version of it poses a genuine problem for phenomenology in the form of what he calls “objective thought.” Seen in light of his concern for the distortion of objective thought, his attention to indeterminacy and distortion in the portraits and still lifes of Cézanne takes on philosophical significance. I analyze how Merleau‐Ponty sees phenomenological concepts such as style, horizons, and coherent deformation at work in a number of paintings and suggest how such features remedy objective thought by resisting the tendency for reflection on ordinary perception to mistake objective properties of objects for properties of the experience in which they are given.
Embolization of tumor cells is rare in patients with systemic cancer and cerebral large vessel occlusion
Authors: Wolpert F. , Kulcsár Z. , Hänsel M. , Rushing E. , Seystahl K. , Schweizer J. , Roth P. , Luft A.R. , Wegener S. , Weller M.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Stroke is a dreaded complication in patients with cancer. Besides paraneoplastic coagulopathy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and tumor‐directed invasive procedures, circulating cancer cells may contribute to thrombus formation and embolic stroke. However, the incidence of tumor cells within the blood clots of cancer patients with stroke is unknown and the role of circulating tumor cells in the formation of cerebrovascular thrombi remains unclear.

Methods

All patients who had undergone cerebrovascular thrombectomy at the University Hospital Zurich between 2014 and 2017 were screened for history of cancer. Clinical information was retrieved from the local stroke registry and the electronic charts and thrombi underwent a thorough histopathological re‐review.

Results

Thirty‐two of 182 patients (18%) with thrombectomy had a history of cancer. The majority of patients had advanced stage cancer. However, even after extensive histopathological re‐review, only one specimen revealed tumor cells in the thrombus: a 75‐year‐old patient with acute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery who had been diagnosed with non‐small‐cell lung cancer 8.1 months prior to stroke.

Conclusions

The presence of cancer cells in clots from cerebrovascular thrombectomy, indicative of a direct involvement of circulating tumor cells in the causation of stroke, is rare.
Oxidative state in equine neonates: Anti‐ and pro‐oxidants
Authors: França de Souza Danilo , Alonso Maria A. , Brito Maíra M. , Meirelles Marcela G. , Francischini Maria C. P. , Nichi Marcilio , Fernandes Claudia B.
Published: June 2020

Background

In newborns, exposure to the extrauterine environment with high oxygen tension and sudden pulmonary adaptation leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS have several physiological roles, which are essential for neonatal development, however, when unbalanced, these highly unstable molecules can cause cellular destabilisation, compromising vital processes.

Objectives

To characterise the oxidative status in healthy equine neonates, evaluating an indicator of lipid peroxidation and both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, during the first week of life.

Study design

Experimental cohort.

Methods

Twenty‐four foals were evaluated, with blood collections performed at 5 minutes, 12, 72 and 168 hours after birth. The degree of lipid peroxidation was quantified using Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymatic activities, and total, conjugated and unconjugated serum bilirubin levels were also analysed. Comparisons were performed using ANOVA followed by a Tukey's test. Additionally, dependent variables were also evaluated with Pearson's correlation tests.

Results

Higher GPx activity was observed at 12 and 72 hours when compared to 5 minutes. An increase in TBARS levels was found at 5 minutes after birth, followed by a decrease at 72 hours and stabilisation through subsequent moments until 168 hours after birth. No differences were observed in SOD activity when comparing the four time points. Bilirubin concentrations were lower at 5 minutes after birth and total and unconjugated bilirubin increased at 12 hours and decreased between 72 and 168 hours after birth.

Conclusions

Lipid peroxidation at birth was high, suggesting an increase in ROS levels relating to physiological events in neonatal adaptation. Antioxidant systems, involving unconjugated bilirubin and GPx, were activated and these biomolecules act concomitantly to reduce ROS levels, thus maintaining oxidative homeostasis. Overall, our results suggest a pro‐oxidant balance during the first 168 hours after birth in equine neonates.
Suppressed microRNA‐195‐5p expression in mycosis fungoides promotes tumor cell proliferation
Authors: Rittig Anne H. , Johansen Claus , Celis Pamela , Odum Niels , Litman Thomas , Woetmann Anders , Lindahl Lise M. , Iversen Lars
Published: June 2020

Background

Several cancers, including mycosis fungoides (MF), have reported dysregulation of miR‐195‐5p. miR‐195‐5p plays a role in cell cycle regulation in several malignant diseases.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate: (a) the expression level of miR‐195‐5p in lesional MF skin biopsies and (b) the potential regulatory roles of miR‐195‐5p in MF.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to determine miR‐195‐5p expression in MF skin biopsies and cell lines. The effect of miR‐195‐5p and ADP‐ribosylation factor‐like protein 2 (ARL2) on cell cycle and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry assays. Changes in ARL2 expression were determined by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting (WB).

Results

We found lower expression levels of miR‐195‐5p in lesional skin from MF patients compared with non‐lesional MF skin and skin from healthy volunteers. Additionally, miR‐195‐5p showed lower expression levels in the skin from patients with disease progression compared with patients with stable disease. In vitro studies showed that overexpression of miR‐195‐5p induced a cell cycle arrest in G0G1. Using microarray analysis, we identified several genes that were regulated after miR‐195‐5p overexpression. The most downregulated gene after miR‐195‐5p mimic transfection was ARL2. RT‐qPCR and WB analyses confirmed downregulation of ARL2 following transfection with miR‐195‐5p mimic. Lastly, transfection with siRNA against ARL2 also induced a G0G1 arrest.

Conclusion

Upregulation of miR‐195‐5p in MF inhibits cycle arrest by downregulation of ARL2. miR‐195‐5p may thus function as a tumor suppressor in MF and low miR‐195‐5p expression in lesional MF skin may promote disease progression.
Synovitis and synovectomy in haemophilia
Authors: van Vulpen Lize F. D. , Thomas Sylvia , Keny Swapnil A. , Mohanty Shubhranshu S.
Published: June 2020

Joint bleeds cause major morbidity in haemophilia patients. The synovial tissue is responsible for removal of blood remnants from the joint cavity. But blood components, especially iron, lead to a series of changes in the synovial tissue: inflammation, proliferation and neovascularization. These changes make the synovium vulnerable to subsequent bleeding and as such a vicious cycle of bleeding‐synovitis‐bleeding may develop leading to chronic synovitis. The initial step in the treatment is adequate clotting factor supplementation and immediate physiotherapeutic involvement. If these measures fail, synovectomy may be indicated. Non‐surgical options are chemical and radioactive synovectomy. This is a relatively non‐invasive procedure to do synovectomy, leading to a reduction in pain and joint bleeds. Radioactive synovectomy seems more effective than chemical synovectomy in larger joints. Surgical options are open and arthroscopic synovectomy. Open synovectomy has been found to decrease the incidence of breakthrough bleeds but at the cost of loss of joint motion. Use of arthroscopic synovectomy has been advocated to reduce bleeding episodes with less morbidity to extra‐articular tissue and preservation of joint motion. Use of a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine and early mobilization can decrease the postoperative stiffness and promote early recovery. This review addresses the current understanding of synovitis and its treatment options with specific emphasis on chemical and radioactive synovectomy and surgical options.
Revisiting Anselm on Time and Divine Eternity
Authors: Bobier Christopher A.
Published: June 2020

How to understand Saint Anselm of Canterbury on time and divine eternity is subject to debate. Katherin Rogers argues that Anselm is a four‐dimensionalist, whereas Brian Leftow argues that he is a presentist. Despite the disagreement, both scholars assume that Anselm has a positive account of time and divine eternity to offer. I challenge this assumption, arguing that Anselm is not interested in offering an account of the metaphysics of time and divine eternity. The reading defended here is deflationary in the following sense: Anselm is trying to purify, so to speak, the notion of ‘divine eternity’ from creaturely imperfections that are suggested by our language.
DISCRETE CHOICE AND RATIONAL INATTENTION: A GENERAL EQUIVALENCE RESULT
Authors: Fosgerau Mogens , Melo Emerson , de Palma André , Shum Matthew
Published: June 2020

This article establishes a general equivalence between discrete choice and rational inattention models. Matějka and McKay (2015) showed that when information costs are modeled using the Shannon entropy, the choice probabilities in the rational inattention (RI) model take the multinomial logit form. We show that, for one given prior over states, RI choice probabilities may take the form of any additive random utility discrete choice model (ARUM) when the information cost is a Bregman information, a class defined in this article. The prior information of the rationally inattentive agent is summarized in a constant vector of utilities in the corresponding ARUM.
Chemical, phase and structural change of mullite synthesized during sintering of kaolin
Authors: Sanya Olajide T. , Owoeye Seun S. , Isinkaye Olanireti E. , Simon Olaleye T.
Published: June 2020

Mullite is of great technological relevance but rarely occurs in nature and as a result different approaches have been adopted in its synthesis from alumina bearing minerals. In this study, chemical, phase and structural change of mullite synthesized from sintering of natural kaolinite clay is investigated. Thoroughly beneficiated kaolinite clay powder was obtained from Nigeria and uniaxially pressed into cylindrical compact of 40 × 30 mm followed by sintering at temperatures of 1200°C and 1300°C, respectively. The chemical composition, microstructure change, phase transformation, and reaction bonding were carried out using EDXRF, SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR, respectively, to assess the synthesized mullite. The results showed that a well‐dispersed primary mullite phase was obtained which was fully developed at increased temperature of 1300°C. Better mullite phase was also obtained with increasing alumina content at more elevated temperature of 1300°C while Si‐O‐Al bonding of mullite crystals was also obtained from the FT‐IR spectra. However, the needle‐shaped mullite structure was not achieved which might be attributed to the sintering temperatures 1200°C‐1300°C utilized.
Temperature stability of a pure metakaolin based K‐geopolymer: Part 1. Variations in the amorphous mineral network
Authors: Gomes Sandrine , Petit Elodie , Frezet Lawrence , Thirouard Rodolphe , Taviot‐Gueho Christine , Gharzouni Ameni , Rossignol Sylvie , Renaudin Guillaume
Published: June 2020

The thermal behavior of a model MK based K‐geopolymer (Si/Al = 1.38 and K/Al = 0.68; obtained by alkaline activation of a very pure metakaolin) was investigated between room temperature and 1400°C in order to evaluate its potentiality for high‐temperature applications. The purpose of our study was to monitor the behavior of a geopolymer during a temperature rise in order to better understand its variations with respect to temperature. The works from the present paper focus only variations in the internal structure of the mineral matrix. The results presented here show that the amorphous mineral matrix is preserved up to 900°C. The results also show that there is a densification of the internal structure of tetrahedral network during heating, due to changes in the Q3 environments in fully‐connected Q4 for both silicates and aluminates. Thus, our work provides a new more precise vision of the 3D geopolymeric mineral matrix for which the silicoaluminous network is not exclusively composed of Q4 entities, contrary to what is frequently encountered in the literature before.
Controllable synthesis of SiC@Graphene core‐shell nanoparticles via fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhao Jian , Liu Malin , Chang Jiaxing , Shao Youlin , Liu Bing , Liu Rongzheng
Published: June 2020

SiC@Graphene (SiC@G) core‐shell nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a facile fluidized bed (FB) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. SiC@G core‐shell nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm and graphene from 1 to 5 layers with a controllable thickness were obtained by finely adjusting the experimental temperatures. The formation of SiC nanoparticles and graphene layers was confirmed by the results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy. The graphene content in SiC@G core‐shell nanoparticles prepared at different temperatures was measured from thermogravimetric analysis (TG), which varied from 5.89% to 11.88 mass%. From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results, no absorption assigned to Si‐O band was detected, indicating the effective protection of the SiC nanoparticles against oxidation by the graphene shell to resist oxidation of SiC nanoparticles. This novel method of preparation of SiC@G core‐shell nanoparticles could be applied to large‐scale production and find diverse applications in related fields.
An encounter between a pelagic shark and giant cephalopod
Authors: Papastamatiou Yannis P. , Verbeck Deron , Hutchinson Melanie , Bracken‐Grissom Heather D. , Chapman Demian
Published: June 2020

An oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) was observed off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, with scars caused by the tentacles of a large cephalopod. While the exact species could not be confirmed, candidate species include the giant squid (Architeuthis dux) or species from the generaThysanoteuthis(flying squids) andMegalocranchia(glass squids). Telemetry showsC. longimanuswill dive within the mesopelagic zone and may interact with or even forage for large cephalopods.
Amyloid‐beta1–42 induced glutamatergic receptor and transporter expression changes in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Yeung Jason H.Y. , Calvo‐Flores Guzmán Beatriz , Palpagama Thulani H. , Ethiraj Jayarjun , Zhai Ying , Tate Warren P. , Peppercorn Katie , Waldvogel Henry J. , Faull Richard L.M. , Kwakowsky Andrea
Published: June 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading type of dementia worldwide. With an increasing burden of an aging population coupled with the lack of any foreseeable cure, AD warrants the current intense research effort on the toxic effects of an increased concentration of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Glutamate is the main excitatory brain neurotransmitter and it plays an essential role in the function and health of neurons and neuronal excitability. While previous studies have shown alterations in expression of glutamatergic signaling components in AD, the underlying mechanisms of these changes are not well understood. This is the first comprehensive anatomical study to characterize the subregion‐ and cell layer‐specific long‐term effect of Aβ1–42 on the expression of specific glutamate receptors and transporters in the mouse hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy. Outcomes are examined 30 days after Aβ1–42 stereotactic injection in aged male C57BL/6 mice. We report significant decreases in density of the glutamate receptor subunit GluA1 and the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT) 1 in the conus ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus in the Aβ1–42 injected mice compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid injected and naïve controls, notably in the stratum oriens and stratum radiatum. GluA1 subunit density also decreased within the dentate gyrus dorsal stratum moleculare in Aβ1–42 injected mice compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid injected controls. These changes are consistent with findings previously reported in the human AD hippocampus. By contrast, glutamate receptor subunits GluA2, GluN1, GluN2A, and VGluT2 showed no changes in expression. These findings indicate that Aβ1–42 induces brain region and layer specific expression changes of the glutamatergic receptors and transporters, suggesting complex and spatial vulnerability of this pathway during development of AD neuropathology.

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Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14763.
Transcranial Doppler Emboli Monitoring for Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Huang Glen , Johnson Leilani L. , Peacock James E. , Tegeler Charles , Davis Kyle , Sarwal Aarti
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ischemic stroke can occur in 20‐55% of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) with 75% occurring during the first 2 weeks of treatment. CT or MRI brain can diagnose the sequelae of stroke but transcranial Doppler (TCD) can document active embolization. We undertook a retrospective review of our patient cohort and a systematic review of literature to assess the role of TCD in early diagnosis and management of ischemic stroke in IE.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review and literature review.

RESULTS

We found 89 patients with stroke caused by IE at our institution from December 2011 to April 2018. TCDs were obtained on 26 patients; 16 were abnormal for cerebrovascular abnormalities. Only 4 patients had 30‐minute emboli monitoring performed, of which one revealed emboli. We found 3 studies investigating the role of TCDs in IE that showed promise in its use as a predictive tool in stroke risk stratification.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of embolization in the form of high‐intensity transient signals (HITS) detected on TCDs can be used for early diagnosis of IE, assessing efficacy of antibiotic therapy, and stratification of stroke risk in IE. This can aid further research into testing preventative interventions for reducing stroke burden in IE such as earlier valvular surgery or vacuum‐assisted vegetation extraction.
KRAS mutations in brown tumor of the jaws in hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Guimarães Letícia Martins , Gomes Isadora Pereira , Pereira Thaís dos Santos Fontes , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Romañach Mário José , de Lacerda Júlio César Tanos , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Brennan Peter A. , Rahimi Siavash , Carlos Román , Mosqueda‐Taylor Adalberto , Bologna‐Molina Ronell , Passador‐Santos Fabricio , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri
Published: June 2020

Background

Brown tumors are giant cell‐rich lesions that result from abnormal bone metabolism in hyperparathyroidism, one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide. Brown tumors occasionally affect the jaws and, despite well‐known clinical and microscopic features, their molecular pathogenesis remains unclear. We investigated the presence of pathogenic activating mutations in TRPV4, FGFR1, and KRAS in a cohort of brown tumors since these have recently been reported in giant‐cell lesions of the jaws and non‐ossifying fibromas of the bones (FGFR1 and KRAS), which are histologic mimics of brown tumors.

Methods

We target sequenced 13 brown tumors of the jaws associated with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. As mutations in these genes are known to activate the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, we also assessed the immunostaining of the phosphorylated form of ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in these lesions.

Results

KRAS pathogenic mutations were detected in seven cases (p.G12V n = 4, p.G12D n = 1, p.G13D n = 1, p.A146T n = 1). KRAS variants of unknown significance (VUS), p.A134T and p.E37K, were also detected. All samples showed wild‐type sequences for FGFR1 and TRPV4 genes. The activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was demonstrated by pERK1/2 immunohistochemical positivity of the brown tumors´ mononuclear cells.

Conclusion

Mutations in KRAS and activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway were detected in brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism of the jaws, expanding the spectrum of giant cell lesions whose molecular pathogenesis involve RAS signaling.
A review on the treatment and control of ectoparasite infestations in equids
Authors: Karasek Inga , Butler Catherine , Baynes Ronald , Werners Arno
Published: June 2020

Ectoparasites infestations are a growing concern to horse owners and equine veterinarians alike. Ectoparasites cause significant health and welfare issues and can potentially can serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens. The prevalence of ectoparasites increases around the world, and especially in horses information on the successful prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in scarce and in many instances anecdotal. This poses a challenge to the equine veterinarian and off‐label use of drugs can lead to detrimental effects in horses. In this review we describe the current available evidence for the prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in horses. Only a very limited number of products is approved for the use in horses and fortunately many of the other products that are used in an off‐label manner appear to be safe in horses. Future research in this area should aim at providing PK/PD modelling data to assure appropriate and safe dose regimen to prevent and treat ectoparasite infestations in horses.