bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-announcement merger trading by investment bank-affiliated mutual funds
Authors: Mooney Tim
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study examines whether mutual funds buy or sell the stock of merger targets advised by their investment bank affiliates in advance of merger announcements and withdrawals. Existing literature finds mixed evidence on whether financial conglomerates act on conflicts of interest across divisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Affiliations between investment banks and mutual funds are identified, and the incidence and characteristics of mergers where funds trade the stock of targets advised by affiliates are examined.

Findings

Mutual funds buy or increase holdings of merger targets advised by their investment bank affiliate in advance of merger announcements, capturing highly positive abnormal returns. Mergers with this pre-announcement trading by affiliates are more likely to be completed successfully. Furthermore, mutual funds are more likely to liquidate holdings of a target in advance of a merger withdrawal if the fund is affiliated with the target's investment bank advisor, thus avoiding negative abnormal returns surrounding merger withdrawals. Results are robust after controlling for potential sample selection bias.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature on affiliations between investment banking and mutual fund management, M&A outcomes, and to the discussion of potential conflicts of interest within banks. Also, this study is the first to examine trading activities by mutual funds affiliated with merger investment bank advisors during value-sensitive periods beyond the pre-announcement phase, such as the time period leading up to merger withdrawals.
Corruption and auditor choice: a cross-country investigation
Authors: Duh Rong-Ruey , Ye Chunlai , Yu Lin-Hui
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the corruption level of a country is associated with a firm’s decision to choose Big 4 versus non-Big 4 auditors. In addition, the authors examine whether firms that are cross-listed in a country with a corruption level different from that of the home country are more likely to appoint Big 4 auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 185,549 firm-year observations from 78 countries over 2003-2012, panel regression analysis is used to investigate the research questions.

Findings

The authors find a negative association between corruption and the propensity to hire Big 4 auditors and that cross-listed firms are more likely to hire Big 4 auditors than their domestic counterparts. Interestingly, the authors find that when firms cross-list in less corrupt countries relative to their home countries, firms are more likely to hire Big 4 auditors. However, this tendency disappears when firms cross-list in more corrupt countries.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the audit choice literature by providing evidence that the political environment, as manifested in the corruption level of a country, plays a role in the decision to choose Big 4 versus non-Big 4 auditors. The study complements the prior auditor choice literature, which focuses mostly on single countries such as the USA, by expanding the scope to 78 countries. Furthermore, the authors enhance the understanding of how the absolute and relative performance of the political environment affects cross-listed firms’ choice of auditors.
Developing collaborative interorganizational relationships: an action research approach
Authors: Schruijer Sandra G.L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to address the group dynamics that evolve when representatives from various organizations come together to develop and work on a joint goal. Its aim is to share the author’s learnings when it concerns the understanding of the group dynamics of interorganizational relationships and the development of collaboration between these organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The perspective taken draws on social and organizational psychology, systems psychodynamics and organization development.

Findings

The paper concludes with reflections on generic learnings about collaboration, its dynamics and its development.

Originality/value

Various action research projects are presented that have been conducted in different sectors.
Ecological impacts of pesticide seed treatments on arthropod communities in a grain crop rotation
Authors: Dubey Aditi , Lewis Margaret T. , Dively Galen P. , Hamby Kelly A.
Published: February 2020

While many studies have investigated non‐target impacts of neonicotinoid seed treatments (NSTs), they usually take place within a single crop and focus on specific pest or beneficial arthropod taxa.

We compared the impacts of three seed treatments to an untreated control: imidacloprid + fungicide products, thiamethoxam + fungicide products and fungicide products alone in a 3‐year crop rotation of full‐season soybean, winter wheat, double‐cropped soybean and maize. Specifically, we quantified neonicotinoid residues in the soil and in weedy winter annual flower buds and examined treatment impacts on soil and foliar arthropod communities as well as on plant growth and yield.

Unquantifiably low amounts of insecticide were found in winter annual flowers of one species in one site year, which did not correspond with our treatments. Although low levels of insecticide residues were present in the soil, residues were not persistent. Residues were highest in the final year of the study, suggesting some accumulation.

We observed variable impacts of NSTs on the arthropod community; principle response curve and redundancy analyses exhibited occasional treatment effects, with treatments impacting the abundance of various taxa, including predators and parasitoids. Overall, foliar taxa were more impacted than soil taxa, and the fungicides occasionally affected communities and individual taxa.

Pest pressure was low throughout the study, and although pest numbers were reduced by the insecticides, corresponding increases in yield were not observed.

Synthesis and applications. Pesticide seed treatments can impact arthropod taxa, including important natural enemies even when environmental persistence and active ingredient concentrations are low. The foliar community in winter wheat showed that in some cases, these impacts can last for several months after planting. Given the low pest pressure and lack of yield improvement in full‐season soybean, double‐cropped soybean, winter wheat and maize, we did not observe benefits that could justify the risks associated with neonicotinoid seed treatment (NST) use. Our results suggest that NSTs are not warranted in Maryland grain production, outside of specific instances of high pest pressure.
Loss of tenomodulin expression is a risk factor for age‐related intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lin Dasheng , Alberton Paolo , Delgado Caceres Manuel , Prein Carina , Clausen‐Schaumann Hauke , Dong Jian , Aszodi Attila , Shukunami Chisa , Iatridis James C , Docheva Denitsa
Published: February 2020

The intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is thought to be closely related to ingrowth of new blood vessels. However, the impact of anti‐angiogenic factors in the maintenance of IVD avascularity remains unknown. Tenomodulin (Tnmd) is a tendon/ligament‐specific marker and anti‐angiogenic factor with abundant expression in the IVD. It is still unclear whether Tnmd contributes to the maintenance of IVD homeostasis, acting to inhibit vascular ingrowth into this normally avascular tissue. Herein, we investigated whether IVD degeneration could be induced spontaneously by the absence of Tnmd. Our results showed that Tnmd was expressed in an age‐dependent manner primarily in the outer annulus fibrous (OAF) and it was downregulated at 6 months of age corresponding to the early IVD degeneration stage in mice. Tnmd knockout (Tnmd−/−) mice exhibited more rapid progression of age‐related IVD degeneration. These signs include smaller collagen fibril diameter, markedly lower compressive stiffness, reduced multiple IVD‐ and tendon/ligament‐related gene expression, induced angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration in OAF, as well as more hypertrophic‐like chondrocytes in the nucleus pulposus. In addition, Tnmd and chondromodulin I (Chm1, the only homologous gene to Tnmd) double knockout (Tnmd−/−Chm1−/−) mice displayed not only accelerated IVD degeneration, but also ectopic bone formation of IVD. Lastly, the absence of Tnmd in OAF‐derived cells promoted p65 and matrix metalloproteinases upregulation, and increased migratory capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In sum, our data provide clear evidences that Tnmd acts as an angiogenic inhibitor in the IVD homeostasis and protects against age‐related IVD degeneration. Targeting Tnmd may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for attenuating age‐related IVD degeneration.
Acute alcohol withdrawal and recovery in men lead to profound changes in DNA methylation profiles: a longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Witt Stephanie H. , Frank Josef , Frischknecht Ulrich , Treutlein Jens , Streit Fabian , Foo Jerome C. , Sirignano Lea , Dukal Helene , Degenhardt Franziska , Koopmann Anne , Hoffmann Sabine , Koller Gabi , Pogarell Oliver , Preuss Ulrich W. , Zill Peter , Adorjan Kristina , Schulze Thomas G. , Nöthen Markus , Spanagel Rainer , Kiefer Falk , Rietschel Marcella
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Withdrawal is a serious and sometimes life‐threatening event in alcohol‐dependent individuals. It has been suggested that epigenetic processes may play a role in this context. This study aimed to identify genes and pathways involved in such processes which hint to relevant mechanisms underlying withdrawal.

Design

Cross‐sectional case–control study and longitudinal within‐cases study during alcohol withdrawal and after 2 weeks of recovery

Setting

Addiction medicine departments in two university hospitals in southern Germany.

Participants/Cases

Ninety‐nine alcohol‐dependent male patients receiving in‐patient treatment and suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms during detoxification and 95 age‐matched male controls.

Measurements

Epigenome‐wide methylation patterns were analyzed in patients during acute alcohol withdrawal and after 2 weeks of recovery, as well as in age‐matched controls using Illumina EPIC bead chips. Methylation levels of patients and controls were tested for association with withdrawal status. Tests were adjusted for technical and batch effects, age, smoking and cell type distribution. Single‐site analysis, as well as an analysis of differentially methylated regions and gene ontology analysis, were performed.

Findings

We found pronounced epigenome‐wide significant [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] differences between patients during withdrawal and after 2 weeks [2876 cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites], as well as between patients and controls (9845 and 6094 CpG sites comparing patients at time‐point 1 and patients at time‐point 2 versus controls, respectively). Analysis of differentially methylated regions and involved pathways revealed an over‐representation of gene ontology terms related to the immune system response. Differences between patients and controls diminished after recovery (> 800 CpG sites less), suggesting a partial reversibility of alcohol‐ and withdrawal‐related methylation.

Conclusions

Acute alcohol withdrawal in severely dependent male patients appears to be associated with extensive changes in epigenome‐wide methylation patterns. In particular, genes involved in immune system response seem to be affected by this condition.
Attendance rates and characteristics of women with obesity referred to the dietitian for individual weight management advice during pregnancy
Authors: Porteous Helen , de Jersey Susan , Palmer Michelle
Published: February 2020

Background

Engagement in services to support healthy weight management during pregnancy is poor. A better understanding of those who attend is important in supporting women to participate in preventative health services.

Aims

This retrospective observational study aimed to report attendance rates of pregnant women with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) referred to a dietitian between 2012 and 2018 for weight management and describe who was referred and attended.

Materials and Methods

Demographic, attendance and medical data for women with obesity who were either referred to a dietitian or were not referred were sourced from hospital data. Chi‐squared and t‐tests were used to compare groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify characteristics associated with attendance within the referred group.

Results

Of 5426 eligible women, 523 were referred to the dietitian, and 4903 women were not referred (Total sample: 29 ± 6 years, 39.0 ± 2.1 weeks gestation at birth). Referred women self‐reported a 6.7 kg/m2 higher pre‐pregnancy BMI, 7% more were subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 9% more were induced (P < 0.001) indicating a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Referred women attended a median (range) of 2 (0–8) appointments. The majority (78%) attended ≥1 appointment, and 41% attended ≥3 appointments. Women referred by a midwife (65%) or diagnosed with GDM were 1.9 and 3.0 times more likely to attend, respectively (P < 0.01). Being a smoker was negatively associated with attendance (odds ratio 0.388, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pregnant women with obesity referred for dietetic weight management appear at higher risk of adverse outcomes, with most attending ≥1 appointment. Engaging midwives in promoting referrals may increase attendance.
Timeliness and outcomes of carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis: a single centre audit
Authors: Lim Eric T. A. , Laws Peter E. , Beresford Timothy P. , Khanafer Adib M. A. , Roake Justin A.
Published: February 2020

Background

For patients presenting with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) surgery is recommended to be performed generally within a 48‐hr to 14‐day window. This study aimed to assess timeliness of delivery, and outcomes, of CEA surgery in a tertiary vascular centre.

Method

Patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis who underwent CEA between 1 June 2014 and 31 June 2017 were identified and data were obtained from hospital records. The timeline of their journey from presentation to surgery was then mapped together with their outcomes.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐two cases were included in the study. Overall, the median time from development of presenting symptoms to surgery was 9 days and 119 (69%) cases were operated on within 14 days. The median time from development of presenting symptoms to ultrasound imaging was 2 days and the median time from symptoms to vascular referral was also 2 days. There were no deaths, strokes or transient ischaemic attacks within 30 days of CEA. At 1 year, survival was 100% but 15 (8.7%) had experienced at least one transient ischaemic attack or stroke. In the 53 cases operated upon beyond 14 days the dominant cause of delay in 32 (60%) was accessing surgery after review by the vascular service.

Conclusion

The aim of delivering CEA within 14 days of developing relevant symptoms was achieved in most cases with good outcomes. Nevertheless, points of delay in the patient journey that could be targeted for future quality improvement were identified.
Impact of turbulent blood flow in the aortic root on de novo aortic insufficiency during continuous‐flow left ventricular‐assist device support
Authors: Yoshida Shohei , Toda Koichi , Miyagawa Shigeru , Yoshikawa Yasushi , Hata Hiroki , Yoshioka Daisuke , Kainuma Satoshi , Kawamura Takuji , Kawamura Ai , Nakatani Satoshi , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: February 2020

Severe aortic insufficiency (AI) after implantation of continuous‐flow left ventricular‐assist device (LVAD) affects device performance and outcomes. However, the mechanism for the occurrence and progression of AI has not been elucidated. We investigated the impact of nonphysiological retrograde blood flow in the aortic root on AI after LVAD implantation. Blood flow pattern was analyzed in patients with and without AI (n = 3 each) who underwent LVAD implantation, by computational fluid dynamics with patient‐specific geometries, which were reproduced using electrocardiogram‐gated 320‐slice computed tomographic images. The total volume of retrograde blood flow during one cardiac cycle (716 ± 88 mL) was higher and the volume of slow blood flow (<0.1 cm/s) (0.16 ± 0.04 cm3) was lower in patients with AI than in those without AI (360 ± 111 mL, P = .0495, and 0.49 ± 0.08 cm3, P = .0495, respectively). No significant difference in wall shear stress on the aortic valve was observed between the groups. Patients with AI had a perpendicular anastomosis at the distal ascending aorta and the simulation in the modified anastomosis model of patients with AI showed that the retrograde blood flow pattern depended on the angle and position of anastomosis. Computational fluid dynamics revealed strong retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta and aortic root in patients with AI after LVAD implantation. The angle and position of LVAD outflow anastomosis might impact retrograde blood flow and de novo AI after LVAD implantation.
Metamizole: An underrated agent causing severe idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Sebode Marcial , Reike‐Kunze Martin , Weidemann Sören , Zenouzi Roman , Hartl Johannes , Peiseler Moritz , Liwinski Timur , Schulz Lisa , Weiler‐Normann Christina , Sterneck Martina , Lohse Ansgar W. , Schramm Christoph
Published: February 2020

Aims

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a heterogenous entity leading to liver damage. We have analysed the frequency, biochemical and histological patterns and clinical courses of DILI cases due to metamizole at our tertiary care centre in Hamburg, Germany.

Methods

Consecutive patients with DILI who presented to our clinic were analysed retrospectively. Causes of acute hepatitis other than DILI were excluded.

Results

In total, 154 DILI cases were admitted to our centre from 2008 to 2017. After phenprocoumon, metamizole was the second most frequent putative agent causing DILI (23 of all 154 DILI cases, 14,9%). The biochemical pattern on admission of metamizole‐induced DILI cases was hepatocellular with median levels of alanine transaminase (779 U/L, 64–3532 U/L) by far exceeding median alkaline phosphatase levels (131 U/L, 42–578 U/L). In 17 of the 23 cases (74%) liver biopsy was performed. Moderate to severe inflammatory histological activity and severe centrilobular necrosis (>30%) was present in 76.5 and 35.3%, respectively. Metamizole was involved in 2 DILI cases progressing to acute liver failure, then receiving liver transplantation and still alive at time of assessment. Our data were supported by re‐exposure in 4 patients. Furthermore, a database search for metamizole‐induced liver injury in the European Medicines Agency's database identified about 300 reports on suspected metamizole‐induced DILI in Europe.

Conclusion

Elevation of liver enzymes or acute liver failure are not mentioned in the German drug label of metamizole as potential side effects. Our study reveals that in Germany and Europe, metamizole is a frequent and underrated agent causing DILI.
Chronic medical conditions and late effects following non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in HIV‐uninfected and HIV‐infected adolescents and young adults: a population‐based study
Authors: Abrahão Renata , Li Qian W. , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Alvarez Elysia M. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Wun Ted , Keegan Theresa H. M.
Published: February 2020

Little is known about the incidence of late effects following non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among adolescent and young adult (AYA, 15–39 years) survivors. Using data from the California Cancer Registry linked to hospital discharge, we estimated the cumulative incidence of late effects at 10 years among AYAs diagnosed with NHL during 1996–2012, who survived ≥2 years. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to investigate the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the occurrence of late effects. Of 4392 HIV‐uninfected patients, the highest incident diseases were: endocrine (18·5%), cardiovascular (11·7%), and respiratory (5·0%), followed by secondary primary malignancy (SPM, 2·6%), renal and neurologic (2·2%), liver/pancreatic (2·0%), and avascular necrosis (1·2%). Among the 425 HIV‐infected survivors, incidence was higher for all late effects, especially over threefold increased risk of SPM, compared to HIV‐uninfected patients (8·1% vs. 2·6%). In multivariable models for HIV‐uninfected patients, public or no health insurance (vs. private), residence in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods (vs. higher), and receipt of a haematopoietic stem cell transplant were associated with a greater risk of most late effects. Our findings of substantial incidence of late effects among NHL AYA survivors emphasise the need for longterm follow‐up and appropriate survivorship care to reduce morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Security challenges in internet of things: Distributed denial of service attack detection using support vector machine‐based expert systems
Authors: Mubarakali Azath , Srinivasan Karthik , Mukhalid Reham , Jaganathan Subash C. B. , Marina Ninoslav
Published: February 2020

The rapid development of internet of things (IoT) is to be the next generation of the IoT devices are a simple target for attackers due to the lack of security. Attackers can easily hack the IoT devices that can be used to form botnets, which can be used to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack against networks. Botnets are the most dangerous threat to the security systems. Software‐defined networking (SDN) is one of the developing filed, which introduce the capacity of dynamic program to the network. Use the flexibility and multidimensional characteristics of SDN used to prevent DDoS attacks. The DDoS attack is the major attack to the network, which makes the entire network down, so that normal users might not avail the services from the server. In this article, we proposed the DDoS attack detection model based on SDN environment by combining support vector machine classification algorithm is used to collect flow table values in sampling time periods. From the flow table values, the five‐tuple characteristic values extracted and based on it the DDoS attack can be detected. Based on the experimental results, we found the average accuracy rate is 96.23% with a normal amount of traffic flow. Proposed research offers a better DDoS detection rate on
SDN.
Computationally efficient and secure anonymous authentication scheme for IoT‐based mobile pay‐TV systems
Authors: Kumaravelu Ramesh , Sadaiyandi Rajakumar , Selvaraj Anandamurugan , Selvaraj Jeeva , Karthick Gayathiri
Published: February 2020

In the next few years, the mobile pay‐TV systems will be very popular due to their extensive applications. Providing security and privacy are the most challenging issues in the secure development of mobile pay‐TV systems. To avoid unauthorized access to mobile pay‐TV services, it is very important to authenticate the mobile users and the head end system (HES) in an anonymous manner. Even though several authentication schemes were proposed to provide anonymous authentication, the previously proposed schemes are not fit for mobile pay‐TV applications due to their high computational complexity. Hence, a computationally efficient anonymous authentication scheme is proposed in this article for secure service provision in mobile pay‐TV systems. The proposed authentication scheme can effectively authenticate both the mobile users and the HES with low computational cost in an anonymous manner. In addition, an anonymous batch authentication scheme is also proposed in this article to authenticate a batch of users in the subscription phase to alleviate the authentication burden of the HES. The security analysis section shows that the proposed scheme is more efficient in terms of security and the performance analysis section shows the strength of this article in terms of computational cost, while performing anonymous authentication in mobile pay‐TV systems.
Genome‐wide association study for time to failure of kidney transplants from African American deceased donors
Authors: Divers Jasmin , Ma Lijun , Brown William Mark , Palmer Nicholette D. , Choi Young , Israni Ajay K. , Pastan Stephen O. , Julian Bruce A. , Gaston Robert S. , Hicks Pamela J. , Reeves‐Daniel Amber M. , Freedman Barry I.
Published: February 2020

Two renal‐risk variants in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1) in African American (AA) deceased donors (DD) are associated with shorter renal allograft survival after transplantation. To identify additional genes contributing to allograft survival, a genome‐wide association study was performed in 532 AA DDs. Phenotypic data were obtained from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Association and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐by‐APOL1interaction tests were conducted using death‐censored renal allograft survival accounting for relevant covariates. Replication and inverse‐variance‐weighted meta‐analysis were performed using data from 250 AA DD in the Genomics of Transplantation study. Accounting forAPOL1, multiple SNPs near the Nudix Hydrolase 7 gene(NUDT7)showed strong independent effects (P = 1.6 × 10−8‐2.2 × 10−8). Several SNPs in the Translocation protein SEC63 homolog (SEC63;P = 2 × 10−9‐3.7 × 10−8) and plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1)genes (P = 4.0 × 10−8‐7 × 10−8) modified the effect ofAPOL1on allograft survival.SEC63is expressed in human renal tubule cells and glomeruli, andPVT1is associated with diabetic kidney disease. Overall, associations were detected for 41 SNPs (P = 2 × 10−9‐5 × 10−8) contributing independently or interacting withAPOL1to impact renal allograft survival after transplantation from AA DD. Given the small sample size of the discovery and replication sets, independent validations and functional genomic efforts are needed to validate these results.
The developing predictive brain: How implicit temporal expectancy induced by local and global prediction shapes action preparation across development
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Granziol Umberto
Published: February 2020

Human behavior is continuously shaped not just as a function of explicitly responding to external world events but also by internal biases implicitly driven by the capacity to extract statistics from complex sensory patterns. Two possible sources of predictability engaged to generate and update temporal expectancy are the implicit extraction of either local or global statistical contingencies in the events’ temporal structure. In the context of action preparation the local prediction has been reported to be stable from the age of 6. However, there is no evidence about how the ability to extract and use global statistical patterns to establish temporal expectancy changes across development. Here we used a new, child‐friendly reaction time task purposely designed to investigate how local (within‐trial expectancy bias) and global (between‐block expectancy bias) prediction interplay to generate temporal expectancy and consequently shape action preparation in young (5‐ to 6‐year‐old), middle‐aged (7‐ to 8‐year‐old) and old (9‐ to 10‐year‐old) typically developing children. We found that while local temporal prediction showed stable developmental trajectories, the ability to use a global rule to action preparation in terms of both accuracy and speed becomes stable after the age of seven. These findings are discussed by adopting a neuroconstructivist‐inspired theoretical account, according to which the developmental constraints on learning from hierarchically nested levels of sensory complexity may constitute a necessary prerequisite for mastering complex domains.
Implementing magnification during pre‐clinical training: Effects on procedure quality and working posture
Authors: Pazos Júlia Margato , Wajngarten Danielle , Dovigo Lívia Nordi , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of magnification on the quality of two pre‐clinical procedures, class I cavity preparations and composite resin restorations, and to evaluate the working posture.

Methods

This was an experimental laboratory study. The response variables were the quality of cavity preparations and Class I restorations as well as the working posture adopted during the execution of these procedures. The independent variables were the magnification system under four levels (unaided visualisation, the use of a simple loupe, the use of a Galilean loupe and the use of a Keplerian loupe) and the artificial teeth treated. Class I cavity preparations and restorations (N = 320) were performed using standardised procedures, and the quality achieved was evaluated using pre‐established criteria. Working posture was recorded using digital video cameras and was evaluated using the Compliance Assessment of Dental Ergonomic Posture Requirements (CADEP). A two‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison test were performed (α = 0.05).

Results

The quality of cavity preparation did not differ significantly amongst the different magnification systems (P = 0.082). Galilean and Keplerian systems had a positive impact on restoration quality only for the left mandibular first molar (P = 0.04). Higher posture scores were observed when Galilean and Keplerian loupes (P = 0.01) were used, regardless of the tooth being treated.

Conclusion

The use of Galilean and Keplerian magnification lenses did not affect the quality of the pre‐clinical procedures performed whilst improved the scores of ergonomic posture.
Residents' perceptions of smart energy meters
Authors: Shuhaiber Ahmed Haitham
Published: February 2020

Smart meters are a form of expert system with performance features beyond energy‐consumption record keeping, to include monitoring, analysing, and estimating meter readings. Although smart meters have great capabilities, this technology is still in its infancy in many developing countries, and little is known about the kinds of risks associated with smart meters from residents' perspectives. This research therefore aims to fill this gap by examining the influence of four different types of perceived risk on residents' intentions to use smart meters in Jordan. By following a quantitative approach, 242 survey responses were tested by using structural equation modelling–partial least squares. The statistical results indicated that perceived security and technical risks have a significant and negative impact on residents' intentions to use smart meters. However, perceived privacy and health risks, surprisingly, were found to have no significant negative influence on intention to use. Theoretical and practical implications are indicated, and directions of future research are subsequently specified.
Targeting MDR‐1 gene expression, BAX/BCL2, caspase‐3, and Ki‐67 by nanoencapsulated imatinib and hesperidin to enhance anticancer activity and ameliorate cardiotoxicity
Authors: El‐Sisi Alaa E. , Sokkar Samia S. , Ibrahim Hanaa A. , Hamed Mohamed F. , Abu‐Risha Sally E.
Published: February 2020

There is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field due to incidence of increased breast cancer all over the world. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of imatinib mesylate (IM) and/or hesperidin (HES) nanoparticles alone or in combination in enhancing the anticancer activity and to investigate the ability of nanoencapsulation to reduce cardiotoxicity of IM in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)‐bearing mice. IM and HES were loaded into PLGA (poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) polymer. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10). On day 28 from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes for hematological studies, biochemical determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. In addition, tumor and cardiac tissues were utilized for histopathological examination as well as determination of MDR‐1 gene expression. Immunohistochemical staining of BAX and BCL‐2 was done. Nano IM‐ and/or Nano HES‐treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, weight, hematological, cardiac markers, and tumor MDR‐1 gene downregulation compared to free conventional treated groups. In conclusion, the use of HES as an adjuvant therapy with IM could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, nanoencapsulation of IM and/or HES with PLGA polymer showed a remarkable anticancer activity.
Urolithin C increases glucose‐induced ERK activation which contributes to insulin secretion
Authors: Toubal Slimane , Oiry Catherine , Bayle Morgane , Cros Gérard , Neasta Jérémie
Published: February 2020

Polyphenols exert pharmacological actions through protein‐mediated mechanisms and by modulating intracellular signalling pathways. We recently showed that a gut‐microbial metabolite of ellagic acid named urolithin C is a glucose‐dependent activator of insulin secretion acting by facilitating L‐type Ca2+ channel opening and Ca2+ influx into pancreatic β‐cells. However, it is still unknown whether urolithin C regulates key intracellular signalling proteins in β‐cells. Here, we report that urolithin C enhanced glucose‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation as shown by higher phosphorylation levels in INS‐1 β‐cells. Interestingly, inhibition of ERK1/2 with two structurally distinct inhibitors led to a reduction in urolithin C effect on insulin secretion. Finally, we provide data to suggest that urolithin C‐mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation involved insulin signalling in INS‐1 cells. Together, these data indicate that the pharmacological action of urolithin C on insulin secretion relies, in part, on its capacity to enhance glucose‐induced ERK1/2 activation. Therefore, our study extends our understanding of the pharmacological action of urolithin C in β‐cells. More generally, our findings revealed that urolithin C modulated the activation of key multifunctional intracellular signalling kinases which participate in the regulation of numerous biological processes.
The Arabidopsis (ASHH2) CW domain binds monomethylated K4 of the histone H3 tail through conformational selection
Authors: Dobrovolska Olena , Brilkov Maxim , Madeleine Noelly , Ødegård‐Fougner Øyvind , Strømland Øyvind , Martin Stephen R. , De Marco Valeria , Christodoulou Evangelos , Teigen Knut , Isaksson Johan , Underhaug Jarl , Reuter Nathalie , Aalen Reidunn B. , Aasland Rein , Halskau Øyvind
Published: February 2020

Chromatin post‐translational modifications are thought to be important for epigenetic effects on gene expression. Methylation of histone N‐terminal tail lysine residues constitutes one of many such modifications, executed by families of histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMTase). One such protein is ASHH2 from the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, equipped with the interaction domain, CW, and the HKMTase domain, SET. The CW domain of ASHH2 is a selective binder of monomethylation at lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me1) and likely helps the enzyme dock correctly onto chromatin sites. The study of CW and related interaction domains has so far been emphasizing lock–key models, missing important aspects of histone‐tail CW interactions. We here present an analysis of the ASHH2 CW‐H3K4me1 complex using NMR and molecular dynamics, as well as mutation and affinity studies of flexible coils. β‐augmentation and rearrangement of coils coincide with changes in the flexibility of the complex, in particular the η1, η3 and C‐terminal coils, but also in the β1 and β2 strands and the C‐terminal part of the ligand. Furthermore, we show that mutating residues with outlier dynamic behaviour affect the complex binding affinity despite these not being in direct contact with the ligand. Overall, the binding process is consistent with conformational selection. We propose that this binding mechanism presents an advantage when searching for the correct post‐translational modification state among the highly modified and flexible histone tails, and also that the binding shifts the catalytic SET domain towards the nucleosome.

Databases

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession code 6QXZ. Resonance assignments for CW42 in its apo‐ and holo‐forms are available in the BMRB database under the accession code 27251.
Corruption monitoring and the supply of politicians in China
Authors: Yang Wenhui
Published: February 2020

Monitoring institutions are usually perceived as efficient instruments for improving governance. This article evaluates the link between corruption monitoring and the supply of politicians in nondemocracies. Using China as a case, I show that corruption monitoring pushes capable young elites away from seeking government positions. This effect may be driven by two possible mechanisms: economic returns and career prospects. Specifically, corruption investigations may reduce the expected economic returns for government officials, undermining capable young elite’ willingness and efforts to become government officials. In addition, corruption investigations may indicate that there are potential uncertainties and risks involved when taking on a political career, which reduce capable young elites’ desire to pursue a political career. The empirical analysis confirms these two mechanisms and provides unique evidence for the unintended negative impact of corruption monitoring institutions.
Upregulation of long noncoding RNA Lnc‐IRF2‐3 and Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 is associated with poor survival in B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: El‐Khazragy Nashwa , Esmaiel Marwa A. , Mohamed Magdy M. , Hassan Nahla S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Lnc‐IRF2‐3 and Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 were recently studied as a positive biomarker for many tumor cells. However, experimental studies found that they are associated with worse outcomes in B‐CLL.

Methods

A prospective case study was conducted on 135 B‐CLL patients that were compared to thirty healthy controls. The patients were followed up for 40 months and quantitative measurements of Lnc‐IRF2‐3 and Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 were measured and compared between the two groups as well as high‐risk and low low‐risk B‐CLL.

Results

Lnc‐IRF2‐3 and Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 had a high specificity (94% and 85%) and sensitivity (85%, 87%), respectively, to differentiate B‐CLL from healthy controls. Furthermore, they showed high expression levels in high‐risk CLL groups. For survival analysis, there was a negative correlation between overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) and both biomarkers. However, it was not evident in multivariate Cox regression analysis; in patients with Lnc‐IRF2‐3 expression level, >67 had a significant decrease in OS and PFS. However, there is no significant effect for high expression levels of Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 on OS (P = .16) or PFS (P = .48).

Conclusion

The Lnc‐IRF2‐3 and Lnc‐ZNF667‐AS1 are promising prognostic biomarkers in B‐CLL.
Solid‐state sintering of core‐shell ceramic powders fabricated by particle atomic layer deposition
Authors: O'Toole Rebecca J. , Buur Peter J. , Gump Christopher J. , Musgrave Charles B. , Weimer Alan W.
Published: February 2020

The properties of technical ceramics are highly dependent on their microstructure, which evolves during sintering. Sintering is the process by which ceramic parts are subjected to high temperatures to activate chemical diffusion and the consumption of porosity. During the initial stage of sintering, interparticle necks between neighboring particles form and subsequently increase in size, consuming porosity as the particle centers move closer together. To experimentally determine how this process depends on particle surface composition, particle atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to deposit a thin film of amorphous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) onto yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3YSZ) particles, producing core‐shell structured powders. The uniformity of the Al2O3 film was confirmed with transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe microstructural evolution during sintering, and the dihedral angles of Al2O3 and 3YSZ grains were measured to determine the ratio of interfacial energies between the 3YSZ|3YSZ, 3YSZ|Al2O3, and Al2O3|Al2O3 interfaces. Analysis of the densification kinetics revealed that the initial stage of densification is dependent on the material at the surface of the particles (ie, the Al2O3 film) and is controlled by the diffusion of Al3+ cations through Al2O3. Once the Al2O3 film has coalesced, the sintering behavior is controlled by the densification of the core material (3YSZ). Thus, core‐shell powders fabricated by particle ALD sinter by a two‐step process where the kinetics are dependent on the material present at interparticle contacts.
The rise of Chemical Peeling in 19th‐century European Dermatology: emergence of agents, formulations and treatments
Authors: Borelli C. , Ursin F. , Steger F.
Published: February 2020

Background

Considering the increasing number of chemical peeling applications, also the interest in the history of chemical peelings and agents, has grown in dermatology. Research ascribes the first use of phenol as a chemical peeling agent to William Tilbury Fox (1836–1879) in 1871. Furthermore, Ferdinand von Hebra (1847–1902) is said to describe the properties of various peeling agents in 1874, and Paul Gerson Unna (1850–1929) adds resorcinol and trichloroacetic acid in 1882.

Objective

To identify the first mentions of chemical peeling applications and agents in 19th‐century dermatology.

Methods

Nineteenth‐century dermatologists were identified by an examination of literature of the last 30 years on the history of chemical peeling. Systematic examination of the medical textbooks of Hebra, Fox and Unna was conducted. It was proved whether the mentioned agents were used for chemical peeling applications.

Results

The skin peeling property of phenol was already discovered by its first describer, the chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge (1795–1867) in 1834. The Viennese dermatologist Hebra described phenol as a chemical peeling agent in 1860. Hebra and his associate Moriz Kaposi (1837–1902) stated that ‘Lotio carbolica’ was already used in London. Fox used phenol mostly as a disinfectant and not for chemical peelings since 1869. Unna described the chemical peeling property of salicylic acid in 1882 and gave the most comprehensive account of chemical peels of the 19th century in 1899. Unna also introduced the Gutta‐percha plaster with salicylic acid and phenol. Around 1900, Unna was famous for his peeling paste with resorcinol in Germany.

Conclusions

A new chronology of the introduction of chemical peeling in dermatology can be drawn from the results. The German‐speaking dermatology pioneered the treatment of skin diseases with chemical peelings as well as for aesthetical purposes 21 years earlier than hitherto known.
Using outcome harvesting: Assessing the efficacy of CBME implementation
Authors: Railer Jennifer , Stockley Denise , Flynn Leslie , Hastings‐Truelove Amber , Hussain Alicia
Published: February 2020

Rationale

In 2015, Queen's University embarked on an institution‐wide transition to a competency‐based medical education (CBME) curriculum for all 29 postgraduate medical education programmes. On 1 July 2017, this goal was accomplished. With this mass transition came the requirement to assess the efficacy of implementation through a programme evaluation process, which included the use of outcome harvesting (Wilson‐Grau). Outcome harvesting identified the intended and unintended outcomes of CBME implementation, which helped us understand how the intervention was achieved and how the relationship between behaviours and stakeholders contributed to the successful transition.

Methods

A systematic approach to document analysis was used to categorize the eight identified areas of implementation: governance, scholarship, faculty development, resident leadership, curriculum, assessment, communications, and technology. Documents (N = 443) were organized per project area and then coded thematically. Documents were then categorized for attribution to outcomes using the outcome harvesting approach. Outcomes were validated via interrater reliability and substantiated by stakeholders to verify accuracy of formulation and plausibility of its influence on the outcome.

Results

The harvest produced 38 outcomes, either intended or unintended, that can be attributed to CBME implementation at Queen's University.

Conclusion

Using outcome harvesting to assess the efficacy of CBME implementation produced a robust set of themes and resultant outcomes that can be categorized as requirements for success of implementation of any curricular innovation. Emergent themes included collaboration, community of practice, and stakeholder commitment. More unique observations noted through the harvest process included new policy development, creation of learner ownership, and an increase in the output of scholarly activity involving CBME.
Is there a difference in the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles between individuals with temporomandibular disorder and healthy controls? A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Massaroto Barros Bruna , Biasotto‐Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Gomes Cid André Fidelis de Paula , Politti Fabiano
Published: February 2020

The diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is complex, and it is not yet clear in the literature whether the clinical changes associated with these disorders are also reflected in the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the muscles of mastication. To determine whether there is a difference in the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles between individuals with TMD and healthy controls. ScienceDirect, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO, CINAHL and LILACS databases from January 2000 to February 2019. Cross‐sectional studies, crossover studies and randomised controlled trials evaluating EMG activity of right and left masseter and anterior temporal muscles in patients with TMD and healthy controls. Two independent assessors extracted data from the selected articles. The risk of bias was determined using a checklist for assessing methodological quality created based on the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and combined in meta‐analyses. A total of 51 267 studies were retrieved, and 12 were included in this review. Only two studies enabled the comparative analysis of the results. The different EMG signal capturing, processing and analysis methods used constitute an important limitation to the comparative analyses of the results reported in the studies selected for the present review. This systematic review did not demonstrate evidence of significant differences in the EMG activity of the masticatory muscles between individuals with TMD and healthy controls.