bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing labour mobility in trade agreements
Authors: Lilly Meredith B.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Labour mobility is increasingly recognized as an important component of a globalized international trading system. This paper aims to examine the role of temporary entry commitments in international trade agreements toward facilitating global labour mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper traces three decades of temporary entry provisions in international trade agreements signed by the USA and Canada, beginning with their bilateral Canada–US Free Trade Agreement and culminating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Findings

The paper finds that while many countries have continued to liberalize their temporary entry commitments in various trade agreements, the USA has reversed course in the previous decade, hampering international progress. Meanwhile, Canada has pursued ever greater labour mobility provisions with most of its trading partners.

Practical implications

The unique roles played by the USA, Canada and other trading partners in advancing a coherent international labour mobility agenda are considered. To continue to advance labour mobility in trade agreements moving forward, policy alternatives to the “all” or “nothing” approaches pursued by Canada and the USA are suggested.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to formally evaluate labour mobility in the TPP and the only paper to outline the evolution of temporary entry in the US vs Canadian trade agreements over three decades.
Governance implications of CFIUS reform for US investment funds with foreign investors
Authors: Leiter Michael , Caccia John , Cruz Heather , Hoffman Michael , Schnell James , Schlager Ivan , Vieira Donald , Gafni Jonathan , Gerkin Daniel
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To explain how corporate governance is likely to be affected by drastic changes to national security reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), especially for US funds with foreign investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarizes the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA) and then details the pilot program and how to qualify for exceptions.

Findings

While many questions and considerations remain, including how FIRRMA will play out across various industries, we concluded that there will be an increase in CFIUS filings.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced national security and CFIUS lawyers.
Identifying a private-label supplier on national brand
Authors: Pérez-Santamaría Samanta , Martos-Partal Mercedes , Garrido-Morgado Álvaro
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of identifying suppliers on private label (PL) packaging on the perceived quality, brand image, loyalty intention and relative price of the national brands (NB) produced by dual manufacturers, considering the possible moderating effects of the images of both the NB and PL.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an experimental setting with two different categories of grocery products.

Findings

The empirical evidence reveals different effects of PL supplier identification, according to brand images.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to brand extension literature on the effects on evaluations of the parent brand. It also contributes insights about the identity and identification of PL manufacturers.

Practical implications

This supplier identification does not affect or positively affect to the perceived quality, brand image or loyalty toward NBs with lower images, but it negatively affects those with high images, especially when the PL also has a high image and adopts a stronger price positioning. Moreover, NBs with lower images appear more expensive or do not affect when they supply PLs for retailers with high images and stronger price positioning. However, if lower image NB supply a PL with the lower image, the effects do not affect or is perceived as cheaper.

Originality/value

This paper extends prior knowledge about the decision to function as a dual manufacturer from the manufacturer’s perspective.
Experts’ perceptions of management and leadership competence in Finnish hospitals in 2030
Authors: Pihlainen Vuokko , Kivinen Tuula , Lammintakanen Johanna
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elicit and analyze experts’ perceptions of management and leadership competence (MLC) and likely MLC developments and requirements in hospital contexts by 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-round, web-based Argument Delphi process was used to gather critically discussed opposing perceptions of 33 Finnish experts, which were subjected to inductive content analysis to identify themes.

Findings

Current deficiencies in MLC and several trends (e.g. an ongoing shift towards collaborative management) and required improvements (e.g. a need to adopt more holistic approaches) were identified. However, there were some conflicting perceptions, regarding for example the desirability of fixed-term positions for managers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide qualitative indications of a group of Finnish experts’ perceptions of MLC and requirements for its development, elicited using the Argument Delphi Method. Thus, they are subject to the usual limitations of the applied methodology and should be generalized to other contexts cautiously.

Practical implications

The identification of current deficiencies and future requirements for MLC may facilitate the formulation of robust approaches for improving it in hospital contexts.

Social implications

The findings may be useful for improving MLC in hospitals, thereby enhancing efficiency, teamwork, safety and client satisfaction in healthcare settings.

Originality/value

The Argument Delphi Method has been rarely used in health management science studies and healthcare context. It is intended to develop relevant arguments and reveal reasons for differing views about focal issues, thereby providing deeper understanding of experts’ perceptions of MLC and its likely development.
The potential of environmental impact as a result of the development of palm oil plantation
Authors: Syahza Almasdi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop strategies for potential environmental impacts as a result of institutional arrangement and development of oil palm downstream industry both regionally and nationally.

Design/methodology/approach

The research location is in the areas potential for oil palm plantation development, either by plasma through BUMN and BUMS or self-supporting by the society. The research location will be divided into two parts, namely, the land area and the coastal area. The Riau land areas are Regency of Kampar, Rokan Hulu, and Kuantan Singingi, while Riau coastal areas are Regency of Pelalawan, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Rokan Hilir. Both research areas have different productivity due to the different soil fertility levels. The sustainability level of oil palm plantation from the socio-economic and environmental aspects is analyzed using the multi-dimensional scaling approach modified into Rapid Appraisal-Index Sustainability of Palm Oil Management.

Findings

In Riau Province, the development of oil palm is quite rapid. This is reasonable for several reasons which include the following supporting factors: the geographical condition of the Riau region is very supportive; the high demand for palm oil derivative products; the existence of market guarantee for oil palm farmers; the higher income oil palm generates than other plantation crops; and the relatively flat area. Most of the problems faced by oil palm farmers are the use of less good seeds, the length of the fruit laying at the location of the plantation, the inadequate production road, the relatively far distance to palm oil mill (POM) (National Agency of Drug and Food Control), the tendency of determining the unilateral revenue of the POM, the collectively measurement of revenue and the general revenue information. The development of oil palm plantations has created an entrepreneurial capability for farmers who are able to capture business opportunities in the agricultural sector, especially the plantation sub-sector.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper shows the comprehensively control strategy, potential of environmental impact and palm oil plantation. The method used for data collection was rapid rural appraisal method because accurate information is needed in a limited time as it relates to decisions related to village development that must be taken immediately. The study area was conducted in Riau Province because Riau Province is one of the biggest palm oil producers in Indonesia. The study sites will be divided into two, namely, the land area and the coastal area.
How do soil micro‐organisms respond to N, P and NP additions? Application of the ecological framework of (co‐)limitation by multiple resources
Authors: Ma Beibei , Zhou Xiaolong , Zhang Qi , Qin Mingsen , Hu Linggang , Yang Kena , Xie Zhen , Ma Wenbin , Chen Beibei , Feng Huyuan , Liu Yongjun , Du Guozhen , Ma Xiaojun , Le Roux Xavier
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) often limit biological processes in terrestrial ecosystems. Based on previous studies mainly focusing on plants, the concept of resource limitation has evolved towards a theory of (co)limitations by multiple resources. However, this ecological framework has not been applied to analyse how soil micro‐organisms and plants concurrently respond to N and/or P addition, and whether these responses are constrained by phylogenetic relatedness.

Here, we applied this framework to analyse microbial and plant responses at community and taxon levels to different fertilization treatments (four N levels without P; four P levels without N and four NP levels) in Tibetan grasslands.

Total plant biomass showed serial limitation by N then P, and most plant species were limited by N only. Total archaeal abundance decreased with P addition, but diverse nutrient limitation types were observed for archaeal taxa. Closely related archaeal taxa tended to similarly respond to N, and functional similarity between distant archaeal groups was observed for response to P, possibly due to functional convergence. In contrast, total bacteria slightly increased with P addition only when plants remained N limited, whereas without N limitation, plants rather than bacteria benefited from P addition. Most bacterial taxa were limited by other resources than N and P, and no clear phylogenetic signals were observed regarding bacterial responses to N/P additions.

Synthesis. We propose a novel approach for characterizing microbial response types to nutrient addition. It demonstrates that in Tibetan meadows, most dominant plant species, archaea and bacteria, respectively, depend on N, both N and P and other resources.
Species richness mediates within‐species nutrient resorption: Implications for the biodiversity–productivity relationship
Authors: Lü Xiao‐Tao , Hu Yan‐Yu , Wolf Amelia A. , Han Xing‐Guo
Published: April 2019

Between‐species variation in nutrient resorption is one of the mechanisms explaining the positive relationship between biodiversity and primary productivity. Yet, the role of within‐species variations in nutrient resorption in mediating the relationship between biodiversity and productivity remains unclear.

We examined how within‐species nutrient resorption, and ultimately productivity, respond to changes in species richness by using four traits related to nitrogen and phosphorus use in four dominant species from different plant functional groups in a biodiversity removal experiment in the temperate steppe.

Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in both green and senesced leaves in all species significantly decreased with increasing plant species richness, suggesting that plants used those limiting nutrients more efficiently with increasing biodiversity. Plants in higher diversity communities resorbed more nutrients during senescence, which may facilitate reproduction and vegetative regrowth in the next year.

Synthesis. Our results highlight the importance of considering within‐species variation in nutrient resorption as an important underlying mechanism explaining the positive effects of biodiversity on primary productivity and ecosystem carbon accumulation.
No Terroir in the Cold? A Note on the Geography of Geographical Indications
Authors: Huysmans Martijn , Swinnen Johan
Published: April 2019

Geographical Indications (GIs) are increasingly important instruments of agricultural and food regulations and are growing as contentious issues in trade negotiations and disputes. GIs can improve welfare but they can also be a protectionist instrument. The EU has the most GIs in the world, but they are concentrated in the south of the EU. Even excluding wine, there are seven times more food GIs per capita in the southern EU Member States than in other EU Member States. This note discusses several factors which may explain the geographic concentration of GIs in the south of the EU.
Gene Expression Profiling in Short‐Term Imbibition of Wheat: Tools for Dissecting of Pasting Properties of Imbibed Wheat Seeds
Authors: Tamura Tomoko , Akuzawa Sayuri , Mura Kiyoshi
Published: April 2019

Germination of wheat maximizes phytochemical content and antioxidant activity while altering chemical composition, gluten content, and pasting properties. This study investigated the effect of short‐term imbibition on gene expression profiles and the physical and functional characteristics of wheat. Changes in gene expression profiles of wheat during short‐term imbibition (0, 16, and 24 hr) were evaluated by DNA microarray analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was carried out to categorize the function of genes with altered expression. Genes related to cellulose and cell wall synthesis were upregulated by imbibition for 16 hr, whereas those associated with polysaccharide catabolism and nucleosome assembly were upregulated in the subsequent 8 hr. The genes related to proteases and gluten were expressed in dry seeds but disappeared after 16 hr of imbibition. Genes encoding α‐amylase were not expressed in dry seeds whereas those encoding β‐amylase were expressed in dry seeds and downregulated by imbibition. According to quantitative real‐time PCR and enzymatic activity assay,α‐Amylaseexpression increased by imbibition and reached a maximum 24 hr after imbibition, with a corresponding increase in enzymatic activity. Pasting properties of flour made from wheat seeds imbibed for different times were decreased when seeds were imbibed for over 16 hr, by examination with Rapid Visco Analyzer. Gluten content did not significantly change until 24‐hr imbibition, although expression of genes encoding gliadin and glutenin disappeared by 16‐hr imbibition. The data indicated that it was possible to use 16‐hr imbibed wheat, with up to the 50% w/w replacement of nonimbibed wheat.
A guinea fowl genome assembly provides new evidence on evolution following domestication and selection in galliformes
Authors: Vignal Alain , Boitard Simon , Thébault Noémie , Dayo Guiguigbaza‐Kossigan , Yapi‐Gnaore Valentine , Youssao Abdou Karim Issaka , Berthouly‐Salazar Cécile , Pálinkás‐Bodzsár Nóra , Guémené Daniel , Thibaud‐Nissen Francoise , Warren Wesley C. , Tixier‐Boichard Michèle , Rognon Xavier
Published: April 2019

The helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris belongs to the order Galliformes. Its natural range includes a large part of sub‐Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Eritrea and from Chad to South Africa. Archaeozoological and artistic evidence suggest domestication of this species may have occurred about 2,000 years BP in Mali and Sudan primarily as a food resource, although villagers also benefit from its capacity to give loud alarm calls in case of danger, of its ability to consume parasites such as ticks and to hunt snakes, thus suggesting its domestication may have resulted from a commensal association process. Today, it is still farmed in Africa, mainly as a traditional village poultry, and is also bred more intensively in other countries, mainly France and Italy. The lack of available molecular genetic markers has limited the genetic studies conducted to date on guinea fowl. We present here a first‐generation whole‐genome sequence draft assembly used as a reference for a study by a Pool‐seq approach of wild and domestic populations from Europe and Africa. We show that the domestic populations share a higher genetic similarity between each other than they do to wild populations living in the same geographical area. Several genomic regions showing selection signatures putatively related to domestication or importation to Europe were detected, containing candidate genes, most notably EDNRB2, possibly explaining losses in plumage coloration phenotypes in domesticated populations.
Pretrial negotiations under optimism
Authors: Vasserman Shoshana , Yildiz Muhamet
Published: April 2019

We develop a tractable and versatile model of pretrial negotiation in which the negotiating parties are optimistic about the judge's decision and anticipate the possible arrival of public information about the case prior to the trial date. The parties will settle immediately upon the arrival of information. However, they may also agree to settle prior to an arrival. We derive the settlement dynamics prior to an arrival: negotiations result in either immediate agreement, a weak deadline effect—settling at a particular date before the deadline, a strong deadline effect—settling at the deadline, or impasse, depending on the level of optimism. Our findings match stylized facts.
Estimating site occupancy and detectability of the threatened partridge pigeon (Geophaps smithii) using camera traps
Authors: Davies Hugh F. , Rioli Willie , Puruntatameri José , Roberts Willie , Kerinaiua Colin , Kerinauia Vivian , Womatakimi Kim Brooks , Gillespie Graeme R. , Murphy Brett P.
Published: April 2019

Since European settlement, many granivorous birds of northern Australia's savanna landscapes have declined. One such example, the partridge pigeon (Geophaps smithii), has suffered a significant range contraction, disappearing from at least half of its pre‐European range. Multiple factors have been implicated in this decline, including the loss of traditional Aboriginal burning practices, grazing by large exotic herbivores and predation by feral cats (Felis catus). While populations of partridge pigeon on the Tiwi Islands may be particularly important for the long‐term persistence of this species, they too may be at risk of decline. However, as a reliable method to detect this species has not yet been developed and tested, we lack the ability to identify, at an early stage, the species' decline in a given location or region. This severely limits our capacity to make informed management decisions. Here, we demonstrate that the standard camera trapping approach for native mammal monitoring in northern Australia attained an overall probability of detecting partridge pigeon greater than 0.98. We thus provide a robust estimate of partridge pigeon site occupancy (0.30) on Melville Island, the larger of the two main Tiwi Islands. The information presented here for the partridge pigeon represents a critical first step towards the development of optimal monitoring programmes with which to gauge population trajectories, as well as the response to remedial management actions. In the face of ongoing biodiversity loss, such baseline information is vital for management agencies to make informed decisions and should therefore be sought for as many species as possible.
Are all rural placements created equal? A national study of placement experiences among multidisciplinary health students
Authors: Mortimer Joshua , Verma Ankur , Reimann Carolyn , Brown Ashley , Woolley Torres
Published: April 2019

Objective

Members of the National Rural Health Student Network have expressed concerns that the quality and accessibility of rural placements might vary between health degrees. This study compared a range of placement factors between health student disciplines.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

An online survey tool was distributed in 2016 by the National Rural Health Student Network and its Rural Health Clubs to the National Rural Health Student Network's 10 218 members in all Australian states and territories.

Participants

Responses were received from 897 health students (9% response rate). Participants were from the disciplines of medicine, dentistry, nursing, midwifery or an allied health degree.

Main outcome measures

Bivariate analysis between medical and non‐medical students relating to the support received for rural placements: support provided to help students coordinate their placement; assistance with financial costs; mental health support; social support; and student orientation regarding both the placement's health service and community.

Result

Compared with medical students, non‐medical students were more likely to have coordinated the majority of their placement themselves, but were less likely to have had control over their placement location or to have received financial support, mental health support, social support, a health service orientation or a community orientation.

Conclusion

Among National Rural Health Student Network members, those studying health degrees other than medicine had significantly less rural placement support in all examined domains when compared with medical students.
Use of clinical quality indicators to improve lung cancer care in a regional/rural network of health services
Authors: Kim Michelle Lynne , Matheson Leigh , Garrard Brooke , Francis Michael , Broad Adam , Malone James , Eastman Peter , Rogers Margaret , Yap Cheng‐Hon
Published: April 2019

Problem

Optimal lung cancer care requires multidisciplinary team input, with access to specialised diagnostic and therapeutic services that may be limited in rural or regional areas and impact clinical outcomes. Clinical quality indicators can be used to measure the quality of care delivered to patients with lung cancer in a region and identify areas for improvement. We describe the implementation of internationally recognised clinical quality indicators for lung cancer care in the Barwon South Western region.

Design

The consensus of an expert panel was used for the selection of clinical quality indicators. The data were retrospectively collected from the Evaluation of Cancer Outcomes Barwon South West Registry, which systematically records detailed information on all new patients with cancer in the region.

Setting

Region‐based health service.

Key measures for improvement

Adherence to clinical quality indicator targets.

Strategies for change

Clinical quality indicators, which fall short of the expected targets, highlight areas for improvement in the service provided to patients with lung cancer. These results have prompted changes in the service offered to these patients, such as the introduction of a multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic.

Effects of change

The multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic has streamlined the access to lung cancer services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics and therapeutic services, in a regional setting. Ongoing data collection is required to determine the effect of such changes on adherence to clinical quality indicator targets.

Lessons learnt

The regular monitoring of clinical quality indicators serves as a useful method of quality assurance in the care of patients with lung cancer. We expect these clinical quality indicators to also be used by other health services to analyse and improve services provided to patients with lung cancer.
Application of image‐guided navigation system for laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery
Authors: Yasuda Jungo , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Onda Shinji , Fujioka Shuuichi , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki
Published: April 2019

Background

To achieve safety of the operation, preoperative simulation became a routine practice for hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery. The use of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is essential in HBP surgery. There is a limitation in the use of IOUS in laparoscopic surgery (LS), for which a new intraoperative system is expected. We have developed an image‐guided navigation system (IG‐NS) for open HBP surgery since 2006, and we have applied our system to LS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of clinical application of IG‐NS in LS.

Materials and methods

Eight patients underwent LS using IG‐NS; LS consisted of cholecystectomy and hepatectomy in four patients each. After registration, the 3D models were superimposed on the surgical field. We performed LS while observing the navigation image. Moreover, we developed a support system for operations.

Results

The average registration error was 8.8 mm for LS. Repeated registration was effective for organ deformation and improved the precision of IG‐NS. By using various countermeasures, identification of the tumor's position and the setting of the resection line became easy.

Conclusion

As IG‐NS provided real‐time detailed and intuitive information, this intraoperative assist system may be an effective tool in LS.
Translating the dose response into risk and benefit
Authors: Warren John B.
Published: April 2019

When choosing a medicine two aspects determine the balance between benefit and harm (risk–benefit), matching the medicine to the individual and the choice of dose. Knowing the relationship between dose and response allows a calculation of the dose that causes 50% of the maximal effect, the ED50. Rational drug dosing depends on defining the ratio of the dose to the ED50. The ED50 of each drug has two scales, whether the effect measured is for efficacy, or safety. Quantifying efficacy is comparatively straightforward. A fall in blood pressure, combined with a statistical and clinically significant reduction in cardiovascular events, might justify the efficacy of an antihypertensive. Measuring a drug's effect on safety is more complex, as this is so often a subjective assessment of a collection of adverse events. Though a science‐based therapeutic window defined from in vitro efficacy and safety dose response curves is reassuring, this review discusses how to translate this into dose‐dependent risk–benefit based on clinical trial data. Some of the limitations of our knowledge about the choice of dose that optimizes an individual's risk–benefit, or whether no drug is a better option, are discussed. It is important to define these limitations when educating the consumer/patient about the clinical pharmacology that justifies their treatment dose options.
Erlotinib treatment induces cytochrome P450 3A activity in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Svedberg Anna , Vikingsson Svante , Vikström Anders , Hornstra Niels , Kentson Magnus , Branden Eva , Koyi Hirsh , Bergman Bengt , Gréen Henrik
Published: April 2019

Aims

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer highly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. Hence, CYP3A4 activity might be a useful predictor of erlotinib pharmacokinetics in personalized medicine. The effect of erlotinib on CYP3A activity was therefore studied in non‐small cell lung cancer patients.

Methods

The study included 32 patients scheduled for erlotinib monotherapy. CYP3A activity was assessed using quinine as a probe before and during erlotinib treatment. Plasma from blood samples drawn 16 hours post quinine administration were analysed using HPLC with fluorescence detection to determine the quinine/3‐OH‐quinine ratio.

Results

Matched samples, available from 13 patients, showed an induction of CYP3A activity (P = 0.003, Wilcoxon's signed rank test) after 2 months of treatment. The quinine/3‐OH‐quinine ratio decreased from 20.2 (± 13.4) at baseline to 11.0 (± 4.34). Single‐point samples, available from 19 patients, supported the decrease in ratio (P = 0.007, Mann–Whitney U‐test).

Generally, females had a higher CYP3A activity both at baseline and after two months of treatment. Statistical analysis by gender also showed significant increase in CYP3A activity (males, n = 10, P = 0.001, and females, n = 22, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

An induction of CYP3A activity was observed after 2 months of erlotinib treatment which was also seen when subdividing based on gender. It could be important to take this into consideration for patients co‐administering other CYP3A‐metabolizing drugs during erlotinib treatment and also makes it difficult to use baseline CYP3A activity to predict erlotinib pharmacokinetics.
Model‐free and kinetic modelling approaches for characterising non‐equilibrium pharmacological pathway activity: Internalisation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Finlay David B. , Glass Michelle , Duffull Stephen B.
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose

Receptor internalisation is by nature kinetic. Application of a standard equilibrium dose response model to describe the properties of a ligand inducing internalisation, while commonly used, are therefore problematic. Here, we propose two quantitative approaches to address this issue—(a) a model‐free method and (b) a kinetic modelling approach—and systematically evaluate the performance of these methods against traditional equilibrium methods to characterise the internalisation profiles of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists.

Experimental Approach

Kinetic internalisation assays were conducted using a concentration series of six CB1 receptor ligands. Internalisation rate analysis and snapshot equilibrium analysis were performed. A model‐free method was developed based on the mean residence time of internalisation. A kinetic internalisation model was developed under the quasi‐steady state assumption.

Key Results

Rates of receptor internalisation depended on both agonist and concentration. Agonist potencies from snapshot equilibrium analysis increased with stimulation time, and there was no single time point at which internalisation profiles could infer agonist properties in a comparative manner. The model‐free method yielded a time‐invariant measure of potency/efficacy for internalisation. The kinetic model adequately described the internalisation of CB1 receptors over time and provided robust estimates of both potency and efficacy.

Conclusion and Implications

Applying equilibrium analysis to a non‐equilibrium pathway cannot provide a reliable estimate of agonist potency. Both the model‐free and kinetic modelling approaches characterised the internalisation profiles of CB1 receptor agonists. The kinetic model provides additional advantages as a method to capture changes in receptor number during other functional assays.
PGC1α/CEBPB/CPT1A axis promotes radiation resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through activating fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Du Qianqian , Tan Zheqiong , Shi Feng , Tang Min , Xie Longlong , Zhao Lin , Li Yueshuo , Hu Jianmin , Zhou Min , Bode Ann , Luo Xiangjian , Cao Ya
Published: April 2019

The PPAR coactivator‐1α (PGC1α) is an important transcriptional co‐activator in control of fatty acid metabolism. Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is the primary pathway for the degradation of fatty acids and promotes NADPH and ATP production. Our previous study demonstrated that upregulation of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 A (CPT1A), the key regulator of FAO, promotes radiation resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we found that high expression of PGC1α is associated with poor overall survival in NPC patients after radiation treatment. Targeting PGC1α could sensitize NPC cells to radiotherapy. Mechanically, PGC1α binds to CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (CEBPB), a member of the transcription factor family of CEBP, to promote CPT1A transcription, resulting in activation of FAO. Our results revealed that the PGC1α/CEBPB/CPT1A/FAO signaling axis promotes radiation resistance of NPC. These findings indicate that the expression of PGC1α could be a prognostic indicator of NPC, and targeting FAO in NPC with high expression of PGC1α might improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy.
Whole‐exome sequencing identified ARL2 as a novel candidate gene for MRCS (microcornea, rod‐cone dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome
Authors: Cai Xue‐Bi , Wu Kun‐Chao , Zhang Xiao , Lv Ji‐Neng , Jin Guang‐Hui , Xiang Lue , Chen Jie , Huang Xiu‐Feng , Pan Deng , Lu Bin , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Jin Zi‐Bing
Published: April 2019

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosylation factor‐like 2 (ARL2) protein participates in a broad range of cellular processes and acts as a mediator for mutant ARL2BP in cilium‐associated retinitis pigmentosa and for mutant HRG4 in mitochondria‐related photoreceptor degeneration. However, mutant ARL2 has not been linked to any human disease so far. Here, we identified a de novo variant in ARL2 (c.44G > T, p.R15L) in a Chinese pedigree with MRCS (microcornea, rod‐cone dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome through whole‐exome sequencing and co‐segregation analysis. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay and immunoblotting confirmed that the mutant ARL2 protein showed a 62% lower binding affinity for HRG4 while a merely 18% lower binding affinity for ARL2BP. Immunofluorescence images of ARL2 and HRG4 co‐localizing with cytochrome c in HeLa cells described their relationship with mitochondria. Further analyses of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and adenosine triphosphate production showed significant abnormalities under an ARL2‐mutant condition. Finally, we generated transgenic mice to test the pathogenicity of this variant and observed retinal degeneration complicated with microcornea and cataract that were similar to those in our patients. In conclusion, we uncover ARL2 as a novel candidate gene for MRCS syndrome and suggest a mitochondria‐related mechanism of the first ARL2 variant through site‐directed mutagenesis studies.
Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation in STKLD1 causing non‐syndromic pre‐axial polydactyly type A affecting only upper limb
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad , Ali Raja H. , Alhaddad Bader , Ahmad Farooq , Abdullah  , Haack Tobias B. , Alfadhel Majid , Ansar Muhammad , Meitinger Thomas , Ahmad Wasim
Published: April 2019

Pre‐axial polydactyly (PPD) is characterized by well‐developed non‐functional 1st digit (thumb) duplication in hands and/or feet. It is mostly inherited in autosomal dominant manner. In the present study, two families of Pakistani origin, demonstrating unilateral PPD type A, have been characterized at clinical and genetic levels. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a nonsense mutation (c.84C > A, p.Tyr28*) in the STKLD1, located on chromosome 9q34.2, in affected individuals of both the families. Our findings report the first direct involvement of the STKLD1 in the digit development and highlight the importance of inclusion of this gene for screening individuals presenting non‐syndromic recessive PPD.
Deciphering role of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kang Xiaodiao , Lin Zeng , Xu Minhui , Pan Jun , Wang Zhi‐wei
Published: April 2019

Recently, fibroblast growth factors are identified to play a vital role in the development and progression of human pancreatic cancer. FGF pathway is critical involved in numerous cellular processes through regulation of its downstream targets, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review article, we describe recent advances of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression. Moreover, we highlight the available chemical inhibitors of FGFR pathway for potential treatment of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we discuss whether targeting FGFR pathway is a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer clinical management.
Neurodevelopmental status in infantile spasms and West syndrome: the challenge of assessment
Authors: Lux Andrew
Published: April 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Sumanasena et al. on pages 1295–1301 of this issue.
A single semi‐synthetic diet with improved antimicrobial activity for mass rearing of lepidopteran insect pests of cotton and maize
Authors: Nair Rupa V. , Kulye Mahesh Sakharam , Kamath Subray P.
Published: April 2019

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), Earias vittella (Fabricius), Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (all Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are the major pests of cotton and maize. Mass‐rearing of these insects under controlled conditions is necessary to obtain the numbers needed to conduct bioassays to screen insecticides, proteins, and other compounds, as tools for insect pest management. We present a diet suitable for rearing the six lepidopteran pests (five cotton and one maize pest). We further show that this diet is on par with or superior to the published diet recipes for each of the insect species, which were studied for three generations. We also discuss the advantages of antimicrobials other than formalin for keeping microbial growth under check. A combination of antimicrobial solution and benomyl provided effective control and suppressed the growth of microbes for a longer period than a formalin‐containing diet. A common diet for six pests provide opportunities for automation of diet preparation in addition to improved throughput and consistency in the process, while eliminating diet‐batch related errors.
Duration and sequence of muscular activation in dentate individuals and complete denture wearers during simulation of activities of daily living
Authors: Cosme‐Trindade Dúcia C. , Baldisserotto Simone M. , Loss Jefferson F. , Shinkai Rosemary S. A.
Published: April 2019

Occlusal support may influence muscular function during complex motor tasks. This study evaluated the duration and sequence of muscular activation of masticatory (temporal, masseter), postural head/neck (sternocleidomastoid, trapezius), postural trunk (rectus abdominis, paravertebrals), and low extremity strength (rectus femoris, gastrocnemius) muscles during simulation of activities of daily living (ADL) in edentulous women wearing complete dentures (n = 10) and in dentate women (n = 10). Electromyographic activity was recorded during tests of stand‐up/sit down in the Chair, sit up/lie down in the Bed and lift/lower Bags. Occlusal support (dentures) had a significant effect on duration of muscular activation in the Chair Test: the masseter muscle activated longer with dentures during the standing movement. The masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles showed significant alteration in their order of activation in non‐denture‐wearing women. For the Bed Test, dentures had significant effect for the gastrocnemius during the sitting‐up phase and for the rectus abdominis during the lying‐down movement. For the Bag Test, head/neck muscles were activated in a different order as a function of occlusal support. Anticipation of activation of the paravertebral muscles, rectus abdominis, and gastrocnemius was observed in dentate women compared with denture wearers. These findings suggest that occlusal support influences electromyographic activity of some muscles during simulation of ADL.
Global mapping of cost‐effective microalgal biofuel production areas with minimal environmental impact
Authors: Correa Diego F. , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Possingham Hugh P. , Thomas‐Hall Skye R. , Schenk Peer M.
Published: April 2019

Sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are urgently needed to avoid severe climate impacts and further environmental degradation. Microalgae are one of the most productive crops globally and do not need to compete for arable land or freshwater resources. Hence, they may become a promising, more sustainable cultivation alternative for the large‐scale production of biofuels provided that substantial reductions are achieved in their production costs. In this study, we identify the most suitable areas globally for siting microalgal farms for biodiesel production that maximize profitability and minimize direct competition with food production and direct impacts on biodiversity, based on a spatially explicit multiple‐criteria decision analysis. We further explore the relationships between microalgal production, agricultural value, and biodiversity, and propose several solutions for siting microalgal production farms, based on current and future targets in energy production using integer linear programming. If using seawater for microalgal cultivation, biodiesel production could reach 5.85 × 1011 L/year based on top suitable lands (i.e., between 13% and 16% of total transport energy demands in 2030) without directly competing with food production and areas of high biodiversity value. These areas are particularly abundant in the dry coasts of North and East Africa, the Middle East, and western South America. This is the first global analysis that incorporates economic and environmental feasibility for microalgal production sites. Our results can guide the selection of best locations for biofuel production using microalgae while minimizing conflicts with food production and biodiversity conservation.
“I was worried if I don’t have a broken leg they might not take it seriously”: Experiences of men accessing ambulance services for mental health and/or alcohol and other drug problems
Authors: Ferguson Nyssa , Savic Michael , McCann Terence V. , Emond Kate , Sandral Emma , Smith Karen , Roberts Louise , Bosley Emma , Lubman Dan I.
Published: April 2019

Background

A large proportion of ambulance callouts are for men with mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems, but little is known about their experiences of care. This study aimed to describe men's experiences of ambulance care for mental health and/or AOD problems, and factors that influence their care.

Methods

Interviews were undertaken with 30 men who used an ambulance service for mental health and/or AOD problems in Australia. Interviews were analysed using the Framework approach to thematic analysis.

Results

Three interconnected themes were abstracted from the data: (a) professionalism and compassion, (b) communication and (c) handover to emergency department staff. Positive experiences often involved paramedics communicating effectively and conveying compassion throughout the episode of care. Conversely, negative experiences often involved a perceived lack of professionalism, and poor communication, especially at handover to emergency department staff.

Conclusion

Increased training and organizational measures may be needed to enhance paramedics' communication when providing care to men with mental health and/or AOD problems.
Comparative study on quality characteristics of pickled and fermented sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat in retort cooking
Authors: Zhu Lulu , Yang Fang , Gao Pei , Yu Dawei , Yu Peipei , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: April 2019

Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat has not been fully utilised due to quality defects which were raised by Chinese sturgeon processing industry. This study was aimed to develop a high‐quality sturgeon meat product and the effect of fermentation on qualities was studied. Results showed that fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae could enhance ‘mushroom’, ‘fruity’ and ‘chocolate’ flavour by 1‐octen‐3‐ol, ethyl acetate and 3‐methyl‐butanal; and enrich flavour through mild lipid oxidation and hydrolysis. In addition, fermentation could give an attractive colour with higher a*, b* and L* value. Texture properties were also improved with higher hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness. Higher free amino acids, TCA‐soluble peptides and taste score in fermented sturgeon meat indicated better flavour and taste. The organoleptic evaluation suggested an overall satisfactory of wine‐aroma sturgeon meat by fermentation with S. cerevisiae.
A novel 223 kb deletion in the beta‐globin gene cluster was identified in a Chinese thalassemia major patient
Authors: Zhu Fei , Wei Xiaofeng , Cai Decheng , Pang Dejian , Zhong Jianmei , Liang Min , Zuo Yangjin , Xu Xiangmin , Shang Xuan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Although mutations in the human beta‐globin gene cluster are essentially point mutations, several large deletions have been described in recent years.

Methods

We have identified a novel 223 kb deletion in a Chinese patient by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and characterized it by next‐generation sequencing, Gap‐PCR, and DNA sequence analysis.

Results

The deletion extends from the 3′UTR of the δ globin gene (HBD) to 215 kb downstream of the HBB. Compound heterozygous with the typical β‐thalassemia—CD41‐42(‐CTTT) mutation, the proband presented with microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, and required regulate transfusion. The patient was clinically diagnosed with thalassemia major.

Conclusion

Our study widens the mutation spectrum of β‐thalassemia. In addition, this case may spark future studies of the regulatory regions of the beta‐globin gene cluster.
Factors influencing psychological insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Yu Ji Hyeon , Kim Hye Young , Kim Sung Reul , Ko Eun , Jin Heung Yong
Published: April 2019

Aims

This descriptive, exploratory, correlational analysis investigated patients with type 2 diabetes and their diabetes knowledge, depression, diabetes‐management self‐efficacy, and social support and sought to determine the effects of these factors on psychological insulin resistance among type 2 diabetes patients in South Korea.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study included 136 patients with type 2 diabetes who visited an endocrinology clinic. A structured questionnaire and electronic medical records were used to collect data regarding demographic and disease‐related characteristics as well as scores on the Diabetes Knowledge Tests, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Diabetes Management Self‐efficacy Scale, Social Support Scale, and Psychological Insulin Resistance Scale, between September and December 2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, a one‐way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.

Results

The total score for psychological insulin resistance was 60.92 ± 14.75 of a maximum of 90. Stepwise multiple regression showed that diabetes knowledge, diabetes‐management self‐efficacy, social support, absence of diabetes complications, and depression explained 38.6% of the variance in psychological insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Diabetes knowledge was found to have the largest influence on psychological insulin resistance, followed by social support, absence of complications, depression, and diabetes‐management self‐efficacy. Development of interventions that consider all these factors is required, and the effects of such interventions should be tested through further research.
Guild structures of seed insects in relation to acorn development in two oak species
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroshi , Kajimura Hisashi
Published: April 2019

We investigated patterns of acorn growth in Quercus variabilis Blume and Quercus serrata Thunb., seasonal trends in emergence of seed insects found in the acorns, oviposition periods of the insects and falling periods of insect‐infested acorns. In Q. variabilis, two insect guilds were associated with acorn development: (i) the immature acorn feeding (IAF) guild [Curculionidae sp., Poecilips cardamomi (Schaufuss), and Characoma ruficirra (Hampson)]; and (ii) the mature acorn feeding (MAF) guild [Curculio robustus (Roelofs), Curculio sikkimensis (Heller), and Cydia glandicolana (Danilevsky)]. In Q. serrata, there were three guilds: (i) the pistillate flower feeding (PFF) guild (cynipid wasp); (ii) the IAF guild [sap absorption by Mechoris ursulus (Roelofs)]; and (iii) the MAF guild (M. ursulus, C. sikkimensis, Cydia danilevskyi (Kuznetzov), C. glandicolana and Autostichidae sp.). The succession of guilds during acorn development may be a consequence of the use by different species of the limited food resource. The lack of a PFF guild in Q. variabilis that was found in our field site would have a positive effect on IAF guilds in utilizing the acorns.