bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking Individual Differences in Perception by TMS-EEG Intrinsic Effective Connectivity
Authors: Mizuno Yuji , Kawasaki Masahiro , Shimono Masanori , Miniussi Carlo , Okazaki Yuka O , Ueno Kenichi , Suzuki Chisato , Asamizuya Takeshi , Cheng Kang , Kitajo Keiichi
Published: October 2017

Non-invasive human electroencephalography (EEG) coupled with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is currently used to measure coarse stimulus-response relationships in brain physiology during behavior. However, with key modifications, the TMS-EEG technique holds even greater promise for monitoring fine-scale neural signatures of human behavior. Here, we demonstrate that a novel TMS-EEG co-registration technique can dynamically monitor individual human variation in perception based solely on EEG resting-state intrinsic effective connectivity probed by TMS-based phase resetting of ongoing activity. We used a bistable stimulus task, where the percept is perceived as either horizontal or vertical apparent motion, to record gamma band interhemispheric integration of information. Fine-grained inter-individual behavioral differences in horizontal motion bias could be measured by tracking resting-state gamma-band effective connectivity from right hMT+ to left hMT+. Thus, our method of triggering intrinsic resting-state effective connectivity in oscillatory dynamics can monitor individual differences in perception via the long-range integration of information. This technique will be useful for the manipulative dissection of individual-scale human cognition mediated by neural dynamics and may also expand neurofeedback approaches.
HSP90 inhibitors disrupt a transient HSP90-HSF1 interaction and identify a noncanonical model of HSP90-mediated HSF1 regulation
Authors: Kijima Toshiki , Prince Thomas L. , Tigue Megan L. , Yim Kendrick H. , Schwartz Harvey , Beebe Kristin , Lee Sunmin , Budzynski Marek A. , Williams Heinric , Trepel Jane B. , Sistonen Lea , Calderwood Stuart , Neckers Len
Published: October 2017

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) initiates a broad transcriptional response to proteotoxic stress while also mediating a cancer-specific transcriptional program. HSF1 is thought to be regulated by molecular chaperones, including Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90). HSP90 is proposed to sequester HSF1 in unstressed cells, but visualization of this interaction in vivo requires protein crosslinking. In this report, we show that HSP90 binding to HSF1 depends on HSP90 conformation and is only readily visualized for the ATP-dependent, N-domain dimerized chaperone, a conformation only rarely sampled by mammalian HSP90. We have used this mutationally fixed conformation to map HSP90 binding sites on HSF1. Further, we show that ATP-competitive, N-domain targeted HSP90 inhibitors disrupt this interaction, resulting in the increased duration of HSF1 occupancy of the hsp70 promoter and significant prolongation of both the constitutive and heat-induced HSF1 transcriptional activity. While our data do not support a role for HSP90 in sequestering HSF1 monomers to suppress HSF1 transcriptional activity, our findings do identify a noncanonical role for HSP90 in providing dynamic modulation of HSF1 activity by participating in removal of HSF1 trimers from heat shock elements in DNA, thus terminating the heat shock response.
Context-Invariant Encoding of Reward Location in a Distinct Hippocampal Population
Authors: Gauthier Jeffrey L. , Tank David W.
Published: October 2017

The hippocampus plays a critical role in goal-directed navigation. Across different environments, however, the hippocampal map seems to be randomized, making it unclear how goal locations might be encoded. To address this question, we trained mice to seek reward at several locations on virtual linear tracks, and optical recordings of calcium activity were made at cellular resolution from two major hippocampal output structures, CA1 and the subiculum. These experiments revealed a population of neurons that were consistently active near reward locations. Their pattern of activity sharply contrasted with simultaneously-recorded place cells and even persisted across environments, when other cells remapped randomly. Their timing was closely correlated with reward anticipation behaviors, yet could not be explained by the behaviors themselves, raising the possibility that reward-associated cell signals were used by mice to identify the reward location. These results demonstrate that the hippocampus employs a context-invariant marker of goal locations, and reveal a novel target for studying how the hippocampus contributes to navigation.
Coordinated morphogenesis through tension-induced planar polarity
Authors: Gillard Ghislain , Nicolle Ophélie , Brugières Thibault , Prigent Sylvain , Pinot Mathieu , Michaux Grégoire
Published: October 2017

Tissues from different developmental origins must interact to achieve coordinated morphogenesis at the level of a whole organism. C. elegans embryonic elongation is controlled by actomyosin dynamics which trigger cell shape changes in the epidermis and by muscle contractions, but how the two processes are coordinated is not known. We found that a tissue-wide tension generated by muscle contractions and relayed by tendon-like hemidesmosomes in the dorso-ventral epidermis is required to establish a planar polarity of the apical PAR module in the lateral epidermis. This planar polarized PAR module then controls actin planar organization, thus determining the orientation of cell shape changes and the elongation axis of the whole embryo. This trans-tissular mechanotransduction pathway thus contributes to coordinate the morphogenesis of three embryonic tissues.
Complex effects of day and night temperature fluctuations on thermally plastic traits in a seasonal plasticity model
Authors: Rodrigues Yara Katia , van Bergen Erik , Alves Filipa , Duneau David , Beldade Patrícia
Published: October 2017

Background

Changes in development in response to seasonally variable environments can produce phenotypes adjusted to fluctuating seasonal conditions and help organisms cope with temporal heterogeneity. In contrast to what happens in natural situations, experimental studies of developmental plasticity typically use environmental factors held constant during development, precluding assessment of potential environment-by-environment interaction effects.

Results

We tested effects of circadian fluctuations in temperature on a series of thermally plastic traits in a model of adaptive seasonal plasticity, the butterflyBicyclus anynana. Comparing phenotypes from individuals reared under two types of fluctuations (warmer days with cooler nights, and cooler days with warmer nights) and those reared under a constant temperature of the same daily average allowed us to identify complex patterns of response to day and night temperatures. We found evidence of additive-like effects (for body size), but also different types of “dominance”-type effects where one particular period of the light cycle (for development time) or one particular extreme temperature (for eyespot size) had a relatively larger contribution to phenotype expression. We also gathered evidence against the hypothesis that thermal plasticity in development time drives thermal plasticity in other traits.

Conclusions

Combined effects of fluctuating day and night temperatures include additive-like effects as well as different types of environmental-dominance interaction effects. Differences between plastic traits reveal independent responses to temperature, and possible independent assessment of temperature conditions. Our study underscores the importance of understanding how organisms integrate complex environmental information towards a complete understanding of natural phenotypic variation and of the potential impact of environmental change thereon.
The glass ceiling: fact or a misguided metaphor?
Authors: Dowling Grahame
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The glass ceiling is a metaphor used to characterize the gender inequality of women at the top in most large western organizations. This situation has prompted many business organizations, NGOs and governments to encourage large organizations to promote more women into the executive suite and onto boards of directors. While there is little controversy about this initiative, this paper argues that there should be because it directly challenges the principle that merit should outweigh diversity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews research that purports to show that women are unfairly under-represented in the most senior positions in large western organizations. It also reviews the arguments that more senior women would improve the performance of these organizations. This research is then used to develop a model of why there are markedly fewer women than men at the top of large organizations.

Findings

This study finds that most of the research studies purporting to show that there is a bias against promoting women to the top of large western organizations are unsound because they are poorly designed and/or fail to accommodate alternative explanations for this effect. Thus, the current number of women who run these organizations may be a good reflection of their contribution to the management of these organizations. These findings suggest that many of the policies that are promoted to help women break through the glass ceiling are misguided.

Practical implications

Large organizations should think carefully about following the advice of special interest groups who vigorously promote this social cause.

Social implications

Social policy advocates need better research from which to advance their cause that there are currently too few women in senior management positions of large organizations.

Originality/value

This is one of only a handful of papers that challenges the current orthodoxy that artificial glass ceilings are restricting the potential contribution of women to the better management of large organizations.
Employee well-being and turnover intention
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Rafiq Muhammad , Chin Tachia
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Facing a new round of global industrial restructuring, it is vital for less-developed yet populous regions to build a happy, engaged workforce to achieve competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to integrate an indigenous cultural perspective, i.e. Muslim religious belief, with the job embeddedness theory to delve into employee well-being-turnover issues in a large developing country ingrained with Muslim culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a questionnaire survey on employees from the media sector in the Muslim country, Pakistan. The data were analysed using moderated hierarchical regression models (investigating three-way interactions), while the significance tests of simple slopes and simple slope differences were also used to support the analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that all predictors analysed (Muslim religious belief, organisational embeddedness, life satisfaction, and work engagement) were negatively and significantly related to turnover intention. Furthermore, the employee well-being-turnover intention mechanisms are jointly moderated by Muslim religious belief and organisational embeddedness.

Practical implications

The research considers turnover intention as an outcome of a three-way interaction among employee well-being, Muslim religious belief, and organisation embeddedness, thus proposing insightful implications for other developing country enterprises, particularly those ingrained with Muslim culture.

Originality/value

The authors propose a novel model which demonstrates the effects of employee work- and life-related well-being on turnover intention from a unique angle by incorporating Muslim religious belief with organisational embeddedness, contributing to the existing body of knowledge. The applicability of western concepts to immature markets is also examined.
Social value of an innovation ecosystem: the case of Leiden Bioscience Park, The Netherlands
Authors: Fulgencio Harry
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Science parks are business clusters situated in a particular geographical location, originally conceptualized by local universities, local government and businesses. In recent times, science park stakeholders and tenants are starting to pursue social value and even how to manage. This study aims to clarify the understanding of social value in an innovation ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines existing literature studies and concepts, observations in a real-life innovation ecosystem – a Bioscience Park – and interviews of key personnel managing the science park.

Findings

Science Park Social Value (SPSV) is a value resulting from interaction among groups and not just the pursuit of a single firm-level goal. SPSV emanates from the firms within the science park in reaction to the demands of the actors or entities within and outside the innovation ecosystem of the science park: internal operations, external stakeholders and infexternal or broader societal impact. In addition to this, the author has conceptualized a framework for social value of an innovation ecosystem, which will require further research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper creates a link between concepts about social value, innovation ecosystem (e.g. science park) and stakeholder theory.

Practical implications

SPSV will be useful for science park orchestrators or managers to manage expectations of social and non-social actors.

Social implications

Social value of a science park will bring a new light on the stigma that science parks are only money-making ventures and are not in touch with social issues.

Originality value

This study theorized and researched previously unrelated concepts.
A capability framework to develop leadership for evidence-informed therapies in publicly-funded mental health services
Authors: Lau Geoffrey , Meredith Pamela , Bennett Sally , Crompton David , Dark Frances
Published: October 2017

Purpose

It is difficult to replicate evidence-informed models of psychosocial and assertive care interventions in non-research settings, and means to determine workforce capability for psychosocial therapies have not been readily available. The purpose of this paper is to describe and provide a rationale for the Therapy Capability Framework (TCF) which aims to enhance access to, and quality of, evidence-informed practice for consumers of mental health services (MHSs) by strengthening workforce capabilities and leadership for psychosocial therapies.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by literature regarding the inadequacies and inconsistencies of evidence-informed practice provided by publicly-funded MHSs, this descriptive paper details the TCF and its application to enhance leadership and provision of evidence-informed psychosocial therapies within multi-disciplinary teams.

Findings

The TCF affords both individual and strategic workforce development opportunities. Applying the TCF as a service-wide workforce strategy may assist publicly-funded mental health leaders, and other speciality health services, establish a culture that values leadership, efficiency, and evidence-informed practice.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the TCF as an innovation to assist publicly-funded mental health leaders to transform standard case management roles to provide more evidence-informed psychosocial therapies. This may have clinical and cost-effective outcomes for public MHSs, the consumers, carers, and family members.
The evolution of holiday system in China and its influence on domestic tourism demand
Authors: Shen Han , Wang Qiucheng , Ye Chuou , Liu Jessica Shihchi
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the reforms in the public-holiday-policy system and their influence on the domestic tourism in China. The major reforms in the Chinese holiday system in the last 20 years and the overall changes in the demand for domestic tourism are analyzed in this paper to provide a better understanding of China’s holiday-system reform for policy makers in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the development and reform of the holiday system in China. Policy review and domestic tourism statistics were applied to study the intrinsic relationship between the holiday system and the domestic tourism. The statistics of domestic tourism are cited, including the growth rates of both urban and rural tourists, the domestic tourism expenditure per capita, etc. Finally, this research explains the trends of these rates in a comprehensive background.

Findings

The increasing length of holidays positively affects the domestic tourism demand by increasing the leisure time. Yet, the holiday-tourism activities lead to a series of problems, such as a huge pressure on transportation, overloaded tourist attractions, and threats to safety precautions. Paid leave, price leverage, and more reasonable tourist-attraction arrangements will be effective in easing China’s holiday rush.

Originality/value

Through studying the intrinsic relationship between the holiday system and the domestic tourism, this paper points out the problems of excessive concentration of domestic tourism demand in a particular time, caused by the holiday system. Solutions and suggestions are provided on the basis of the analysis.
Managerial education and the wealth effect of corporate capital investment in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Pi-Hsun , Su Xuan-Qi , Tsai Hsiu-Jung
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of managerial education levels on the wealth effect at the time of investment announcements, by testing two competitive hypotheses: the agency theory-based overinvestment hypothesis vs the Q-theory-based organizational legitimacy hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct the sample by hand-collecting the announcement dates of capital investments from major newspapers published in Taiwan from 2006 to 2014. The authors then use the event study methodology to estimate cumulative abnormal returns at the time of investments announcements to measure the wealth effect. Finally, the authors examine the wealth effect for capital-investing firms with higher managerial education vs those with lower managerial education. The authors also conduct a cross-sectional regression to test the relation between the wealth effect of capital investment and managerial education.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the wealth effect at the time of investment announcements is less favorable for firms with better-educated managers; this negative relation is mitigated for firms with higher institutional ownership and is aggravated for family-controlled firms; and the overall findings are supported by the agency theory-based overinvestment hypothesis, suggesting that higher managerial education lead to greater managerial optimism/overconfidence, which in turn increases the likelihood of overinvestment and implies a less favorable wealth effect associated with capital investment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by proposing a new, unexplored stock market’s reaction channel through which managerial education signals adverse information about potential overinvestment behavior, even though many studies suggests that managerial education serves as an indication of knowledge/capability and improves firm performance.
IPO overvaluation and returns prior to lockup expiration
Authors: Haggard K. Stephen , Xi Yaoyi
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Conventional wisdom says that the price reduction stocks experience at expiration of the initial public offering (IPO) lockup period is due to relaxation of selling constraints. Findings from more recent literature question this explanation. The purpose of this paper is to examine a different cause for this price drop, IPO overvaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the IPO overvaluation measures of Purnanandam and Swaminathan (2004), the authors examine IPO lockup period stock return differences between stocks in the highest and lowest overvaluation quintiles.

Findings

The authors show that the IPO lockup period price reduction is strongly related to overvaluation. Zero-investment portfolios long in the lowest overvaluation quintile and short in the highest overvaluation quintile of IPO firms have positive significant returns.

Practical implications

IPO investors can use the technique to identify firms likely to underperform in the IPO lockup period, potentially avoiding bad investments.

Originality/value

This is the first study to link IPO lockup period stock returns to IPO overvaluation, providing evidence on the impact of both overvaluation and short-selling constraints on stock returns in the IPO lockup period.
A novel tactile probe with medical and surgical applications
Authors: Afshari Elnaz , Sarkhosh Hadi , Najarian Siamak
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss design, fabrication, testing and simulation of a novel tactile probe used for measuring the stiffness of biological soft tissues/materials with a view to medical and surgical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Both finite element modeling and experimental approach were used in this research. The novel tactile probe capable of recording force-deformation feedback is accompanied with the tactile-status-display which is a custom-designed user-friendly interface. This system can evaluate the stiffness in each part of force-deformation status.

Findings

The new system named novel tactile probe was fabricated, and the results on artificial materials (with different stiffnesses) and the sheep kidney (containing a hard object) were reported. Recording different stiffnesses, detecting hard object embedded in soft tissue and predicting the exact location of it are the main results that have been extracted through the diagrams obtained by the novel tactile probe system.

Research limitations/implications

The designed and fabricated system can be modified and miniaturized to be used during different minimally invasive surgeries in the future.

Practical implications

The most distinguishing feature of this novel tactile probe is its applicability during different laparoscopic surgeries, so the in vivo data can be obtained.

Originality/value

For the first time, a tactile probe has been designed and tested in the form of laparoscopic instrument which upgrades the efficiency of available laparoscopic instruments. Also, the novel tactile probe can be used in both in vivo and in vitro experimental setups for measuring the stiffness of sensed objects.
Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma with vitiligo followed by the development of prurigo nodularis: A case report and published work review
Authors: Xu Qianyue , Li Congying , Zhang Jia , Ling Bo , Yu Hong , Yao Zhirong
Published: October 2017

Herein, we report a unique case of generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma (GEKA) in a 47‐year‐old Chinese man presenting with extensive pruritic papules and nodules accompanied by oral lesions. He also had a 2‐year history of vitiligo and long‐term experience of working outdoors. Biopsies were consistent with keratoacanthoma . Interestingly, prurigo nodularis (PN) was found in histopathology at 1‐year follow up. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a case of GEKA with oral lesions complicated with vitiligo and developed with PN.
Fabrication and Optimization of Self‐Microemulsions to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of Total Flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L
Authors: Guo Ruixue , Guo Xinbo , Hu Xiaodan , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Zhou Lin , Li Tong , Fu Xiong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this work was to improve the oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble functional food ingredient, the total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH). A self‐microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was developed to overcome the problems of poor absorption of TFH in vivo. The optimal SMEDDS significantly enhanced the solubility of TFH up to 530 times compared to that in water. The mean droplet size was 61.76 nm with uniform distribution. And the loaded system was stable at 25 °C for 3 mo with transparent appearance. The in vitro release of TFH from SMEDDS was faster and more complete than that from suspension. After oral administration of TFH–SMEDDS in rats, the relative bioavailability of TFH was dramatically improved for 3.09 times compared with the unencapsulated form. The investigation indicated the potential application of SMEDDS as a vehicle to improve the oral bioavailability of TFH.

Practical Application

The lipid‐based nanotechnology, namely self‐microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was used to improve the bioavailability and oral delivery of total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH). The relevant bioavailability of TFH could be remarkably 3‐fold improved by the optimized SMEDDS. The SMEDDS produced via a simple one‐step process for poorly soluble TFH to achieve a significant improvement in the bioavailability, may endorse the promising utilization of TFH in functional foods as well as pharmaceutical fields with an enhanced absorption in vivo.
Scenario‐Based and Scenario‐Neutral Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Operational Performance of a Multipurpose Reservoir
Authors: Danner Allison G. , Safeeq Mohammad , Grant Gordon E. , Wickham Charlotte , Tullos Desirée , Santelmann Mary V.
Published: October 2017

Scenario‐based and scenario‐neutral impacts assessment approaches provide complementary information about how climate change‐driven effects on streamflow may change the operational performance of multipurpose dams. Examining a case study of Cougar Dam in Oregon, United States, we simulated current reservoir operations under scenarios of plausible future hydrology. Streamflow projections from the CGCM3.1 general circulation model for the A1B emission scenario were used to generate stochastic reservoir inflows that were then further perturbed to simulate a potentially drier future. These were then used to drive a simple reservoir model. In the scenario‐based analysis, we found reservoir operations are vulnerable to climate change. Increases in fall and winter inflow could lead to more frequent flood storage, reducing flexibility to store incoming flood flows. Uncertainty in spring inflow volume complicates projection of future filling performance. The reservoir may fill more or less often, depending on whether springs are wetter or drier. In the summer, drawdown may occur earlier to meet conservation objectives. From the scenario‐neutral analysis, we identified thresholds of streamflow magnitude that can predict climate change impacts for a wide range of scenarios. Our results highlight projected operational challenges for Cougar Dam and provide an example of how scenario‐based and scenario‐neutral approaches may be applied concurrently to assess climate change impacts.
New barcoded primers for efficient retrieval of cercozoan sequences in high‐throughput environmental diversity surveys, with emphasis on worldwide biological soil crusts
Authors: Fiore‐Donno Anna Maria , Rixen Christian , Rippin Martin , Glaser Karin , Samolov Elena , Karsten Ulf , Becker Burkhard , Bonkowski Michael
Published: October 2017

We describe the performance of a new metabarcoding approach to investigate the environmental diversity of a prominent group of widespread unicellular organisms, the Cercozoa. Cercozoa is an immensely large group of protists, and although it may dominate in soil and aquatic ecosystems, its environmental diversity remains undersampled. We designed PCR primers targeting the hypervariable region V4 of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU or 18S) gene, which is the recommended barcode marker for Cercozoa. The length of the amplified fragment (c. 350 bp) is suitable for Illumina MiSeq, the most cost‐effective platform for molecular environmental surveys. We provide barcoded primers, an economical alternative to multiple libraries for multiplex sequencing of over a hundred samples. In silico, our primers matched 68% of the cercozoan sequences of the reference database and performed better than previously proposed new‐generation sequencing primers. In mountain grassland soils and in biological soil crusts from a variety of climatic regions, we were able to detect cercozoan sequences encompassing nearly the whole range of the phylum. We obtained 901 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity threshold from 26 samples, with c. 50,000 sequences per site, and only 8% of noncercozoan sequences. We could report a further increase in the diversity of Cercozoa, as only 43% of the OTUs were 97%–100% similar to any known sequence. Our study thus provides an advanced tool for cercozoan metabarcoding and to investigate their diversity and distribution in the environment.
The Relation Between Walking and Language in Infant Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: West Kelsey L. , Leezenbaum Nina B. , Northrup Jessie B. , Iverson Jana M.
Published: October 2017

In typical development, walk onset is accompanied by increased language growth (e.g., Walle & Campos, 2014). The present study explored whether this relation may be disrupted in the infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; heightened risk of receiving an ASD diagnosis; HR), a population exhibiting substantial variability in motor and language development (e.g., Gamliel, Yirmiya, & Sigman, 2007; Landa & Garrett‐Mayer, 2006). Receptive and expressive language were examined across the transition to walking in three groups of HR infants (no diagnosis, language delay, and ASD; N = 91, 8–18 months) and in infants with no family history of ASD (N = 25; 9–15 months). Only infants with an eventual ASD diagnosis did not show increased language growth following walk onset.
Anti‐TNF therapy is not associated with an increased risk of post‐colectomy complications, a population‐based study
Authors: Ward S. T. , Mytton J. , Henderson L. , Amin V. , Tanner J. R. , Evison F. , Radley S.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Previous studies have raised concerns that the use of anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing surgery may increase the risk of postoperative complications. We have taken a population‐based approach to investigate whether there is an association between anti‐TNF therapy and postoperative complications in UC patients undergoing subtotal colectomy.

Method

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data and procedural coding were used to identify all patients in England between April 2006 and March 2015 undergoing subtotal colectomy for UC. Patients were grouped into those who received anti‐TNF therapy within 12 or 4 weeks of surgery and those who did not. The incidence of postoperative complications was evaluated by HES coding and compared between groups.

Results

In all, 6225 UC patients underwent subtotal colectomy. 753 patients received anti‐TNF therapy within 12 weeks prior to surgery (418 within 4 weeks). There was no difference in postoperative complications between groups although groups were not comparable for age and comorbidities. Logistic regression with complications as the outcome variable did not show any significant association between anti‐TNF therapy and complications. Colectomy performed during an unplanned admission (vs planned admission) and smoking were associated with complications.

Conclusion

This large population‐based study does not demonstrate any association between preoperative anti‐TNF therapy and postoperative complications in UC patients undergoing subtotal colectomy. The only variables associated with complications were colectomy performed during an unplanned admission and smoking.
Risk factors for anastomotic leakage following ileosigmoid or ileorectal anastomosis
Authors: Segelman J. , Mattsson I. , Jung B. , Nilsson P. J. , Palmer G. , Buchli C.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Reconstruction with an ileosigmoidal anastomosis (ISA) or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) is a surgical option after a subtotal colectomy. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a problematic complication and high rates have been reported, but there is limited understanding of the risk factors involved. The aim of this study was to assess the established and potential predictors of AL following ISA and IRA.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients who had undergone ISA or IRA at three Swedish referral centres for colorectal surgery between January 2007 and March 2015. Data regarding clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome were collected from medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between patient and treatment related factors and the cumulative incidence of AL.

Results

In total, 227 patients were included. Overall, AL was detected amongst 30 patients (13.2%). Amongst patients undergoing colectomy with synchronous ISA or IRA (one‐stage procedure), AL occurred in 23 out of 120 (19.2%) compared with seven out of 107 (6.5%) after stoma reversal with ISA or IRA (two‐stage procedure) (P = 0.004). In addition, the multivariate analyses revealed a statistically significantly lower odds ratio for AL following a two‐stage procedure (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03–0.41, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study confirms high rates of AL following ISA and IRA. In particular, a synchronous procedure with colectomy and ISA/IRA carries a high risk of AL.
INCOME UNCERTAINTY, CONSUMER DURABLES INVESTMENTS, AND HOME PRODUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: Wang Yabin , Xue Yuhan
Published: October 2017

We investigate the effect of uncertainty on home durable purchase decisions, and empirically evaluate the efficacy of consumer durable policies under uncertainty. A model of lumpy home capital adjustment shows that elevated uncertainty leads households to adopt a cautionary perspective and postpone their capital adjustment. We test this prediction using microevidence from China where both uncertainty and home production are substantial. We exploit a wide‐scale rebate program funded by the Chinese government as a natural experiment, and examine the impact on household investment. We find strong, significant, and robust evidence that greater income uncertainty inhibits durable adjustment. Our findings highlight the impediment that income uncertainty poses to investment in home durables, which are often considered as “engines of liberation” in emerging economies. (JEL E21, E64, J22, O16, O23, D91)
When Cars Hit Trucks and Girls Hug Boys: The Effect of Animacy on Word Order in Gestural Language Creation
Authors: Kocab Annemarie , Lam Hannah , Snedeker Jesse
Published: October 2017

A well‐known typological observation is the dominance of subject‐initial word orders, SOV and SVO, across the world's languages. Recent findings from gestural language creation paradigms offer possible explanations for the prevalence of SOV. When asked to gesture transitive events with an animate agent and inanimate patient, gesturers tend to produce SOV order, regardless of their native language biases. Interestingly, when the patient is animate, gesturers shift away from SOV to use of other orders, like SVO and OSV. Two competing hypotheses have been proposed for this switch: the noisy channel account (Gibson et al., 2013) and the role conflict account (Hall, Mayberry, & Ferreira, 2013). We set out to distinguish between these two hypotheses, disentangling event reversibility and patient animacy, by looking at gestural sequences for events with two inanimate participants (inanimate‐inanimate, reversible). We replicated the previous findings of a preference for SOV order when describing animate‐inanimate, irreversible events as well as a decrease in the use of SOV when presented with animate‐animate, reversible events. Accompanying the drop in SOV, in a novel condition we observed an increase in the use of SVO and OSV orders when describing events involving two animate entities. In sum, we find that the observed avoidance of SOV order in gestural language creation paradigms when the event includes an animate agent and patient is driven by the animacy of the participants rather than the reversibility of the event. We suggest that findings from gestural creation paradigms are not automatically linkable to spoken language typology.
Below‐ground organic matter accumulation along a boreal forest fertility gradient relates to guild interaction within fungal communities
Authors: Kyaschenko Julia , Clemmensen Karina E. , Karltun Erik , Lindahl Björn D.
Published: October 2017

Plant–soil interactions link ecosystem fertility and organic matter accumulation below ground. Soil microorganisms play a central role as mediators of these interactions, but mechanistic understanding is still largely lacking. Correlative data from a coniferous forest ecosystem support the hypothesis that interactions between fungal guilds play a central role in regulating organic matter accumulation in relation to fertility. With increasing ecosystem fertility, the proportion of saprotrophic basidiomycetes increased in deeper organic layers, at the expense of ectomycorrhizal fungal species. Saprotrophs correlated positively with the activity of oxidative enzymes, which in turn favoured organic matter turnover and nitrogen recycling to plants. Combined, our findings are consistent with a fungus‐mediated feedback loop, which results in a negative correlation between ecosystem fertility and below‐ground carbon storage. These findings call for a shift in focus from plant litter traits to fungal traits in explaining organic matter dynamics and ecosystem fertility in boreal forests.
Beyond “Lots of Hugs and Kisses”: Expressions of Parental Love From Parents and Their Young Children in Two‐Parent, Financially Stable Families
Authors: Sabey Allen K. , Rauer Amy J. , Haselschwerdt Megan L. , Volling Brenda
Published: October 2017

Given that parental love is essential for children's optimal development, the current study gathered examples of how parental love was demonstrated within parent–child relationships. Fifty‐eight two‐parent, financially stable families consisting of a mother, father, and young child (3–7 years old) from the Midwest were interviewed regarding how they demonstrated or perceived parental love. Results from an inductive thematic analysis revealed considerable variability in how parental love was demonstrated, with five themes emerging that overlapped between parents and their children: playing or doing activities together, demonstrating affection, creating structure, helping or supporting, and giving gifts or treats. Some gendered patterns among these themes were found with mothers emphasizing physical and verbal affection and fathers highlighting their more prominent role as playmates. The lay examples provided by parents and children in this exploratory study extend previous conceptualizations of parental love and underscore the importance of parents being attuned and responsive to the specific needs of their children.
Shared‐Time Parenting After Separation in Australia: Precursors, Prevalence, and Postreform Patterns
Authors: Smyth Bruce M. , Chisholm Richard
Published: October 2017

In 2006, sweeping changes to the family law system were introduced in Australia. A central plank running through the changes was the need for courts and divorce professionals to consider whether a child spending ‘equal’ or else ‘substantial and significant’ periods of time with each parent would be in the child's best interests and be reasonably practicable. More recently, family violence amendments have led to greater weight being given to protecting children from harm. Yet neither set of legislative amendments appears to have led to marked changes in the incidence of shared‐time arrangements. We explore possible reasons for this surprising outcome.
Identification of the genomic region under epigenetic regulation during non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease progression
Authors: Hotta Kikuko , Kitamoto Takuya , Kitamoto Aya , Ogawa Yuji , Honda Yasushi , Kessoku Takaomi , Yoneda Masato , Imajo Kento , Tomeno Wataru , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: October 2017

Aim

The progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is affected by epigenetics. We undertook co‐methylation and differentially methylated region (DMR) analyses to identify the genomic region that is under epigenetic regulation during NAFLD progression.

Methods

We collected liver biopsy specimens from 60 Japanese patients with NAFLD and classified these into mild (fibrosis stages 0–2) or advanced (fibrosis stages 3–4) NAFLD. We carried out a genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis and identified the differentially methylated CpGs between mild and advanced NAFLD. Differentially methylated regions with multiple consecutive differentially methylated CpGs between mild and advanced NAFLD were extracted.

Results

Co‐methylation analysis showed that individual differentially methylated CpG sites were clustered into three modules. The CpG sites clustered in one module were hypomethylated in advanced NAFLD and their annotated genes were enriched for “immune system” function. The CpG sites in another module were hypermethylated and their annotated genes were enriched for “mitochondria” or “lipid particle”, and “lipid metabolism” or “oxidoreductase activity”. Hypomethylated DMRs included tumorigenesis‐related genes (FGFR2, PTGFRN, and ZBTB38), the expressions of which are upregulated in advanced NAFLD. Tumor suppressor MGMT had two DMRs and was downregulated. Conversely, FBLIM1 and CYR61, encoding proteins that reduce cell proliferation, showed hypomethylated DMRs and were upregulated. Expression of the antioxidant gene NQO1 was upregulated, with a hypomethylated DMR. The DMR containing cancer‐related MIR21 was hypomethylated in advanced NAFLD.

Conclusions

Co‐methylation and DMR analyses suggest that the NAFLD liver undergoes mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased lipid metabolism, and impaired oxidoreductase activity, and acquires tumorigenic potential at the epigenetic level.
Favorable response to immunosuppressive combination therapy with mizoribine and azathioprine in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Tajiri Hitoshi , Zen Yoh , Takano Tomoko , Brooks Stephen
Published: October 2017

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), with no curative intervention, can progress to end‐stage liver disease. Mizoribine, a purine antimetabolite, has never been used for the management of PSC. To evaluate the role of mizoribine with azathioprine we undertook a preliminary clinical study in children with PSC. Children with PSC and autoimmune features were simultaneously treated with mizoribine and azathioprine. Ursodeoxycholic acid or mesalazine were not regulated. The primary end‐points of our study included improvement of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ‐glutamyltransferase. Liver histology, immunostaining studies of the liver, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were also assessed. We have treated four PSC children: two treatment‐naïve patients (cases 1 and 2), and two with established liver cirrhosis (cases 3 and 4). Both case 1 and 2 showed a normalization of liver enzymes and case 2 showed an improvement in MRCP findings. Cases 3 and 4 also showed an improvement in varices, MRCP findings, and liver histology. The combination therapy may be effective for some children with PSC and autoimmune features. By ameliorating both parenchymal inflammation and cholangiopathy of PSC, the therapy might improve the prognosis for patients. It awaits further prospective studies to confirm the efficacy of this therapy in patients with PSC.
Personal Lending Relationships
Authors: KAROLYI STEPHEN ADAM
Published: October 2017

I identify the effects of personal relationships on loan contracting using executive deaths and retirements at other firms as a source of exogenous variation in executive turnover. After plausibly exogenous turnover, borrowers choose lenders with which their new executives have personal relationships 4.1 times as frequently, and loans from these lenders have 20 basis points lower spreads and 12.5% larger amounts. Personal relationships benefit firms across loan terms, especially during macroeconomic downturns. Increased financial flexibility from personal relationships insulated firms from financial shocks during the recent financial crisis: they exhibited less constrained investment and were less likely to layoff employees.
APETALA 2‐domain‐containing transcription factors: focusing on abscisic acid and gibberellins antagonism
Authors: Shu Kai , Zhou Wenguan , Yang Wenyu
Published: October 2017

The phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) antagonistically mediate diverse plant developmental processes including seed dormancy and germination, root development, and flowering time control, and thus the optimal balance between ABA and GA is essential for plant growth and development. Although more than a half and one century have passed since the initial discoveries of ABA and GA, respectively, the precise mechanisms underlying ABA–GA antagonism still need further investigation. Emerging evidence indicates that two APETALA 2 (AP2)‐domain‐containing transcription factors (ATFs), ABI4 in Arabidopsis and OsAP2‐39 in rice, play key roles in ABA and GA antagonism. These two transcription factors precisely regulate the transcription pattern of ABA and GA biosynthesis or inactivation genes, mediating ABA and GA levels. In this Viewpoint article, we try to shed light on the effects of ATFs on ABA–GA antagonism, and summarize the overlapping but distinct biological functions of these ATFs in the antagonism between ABA and GA. Finally, we strongly propose that further research is needed into the detailed roles of additional numerous ATFs in ABA and GA crosstalk, which will improve our understanding of the antagonism between these two phytohormones.
Biochemical and physiological responses to long‐term Citrus tristeza virus infection in Mexican lime plants
Authors: Hančević K. , Radić T. , Pasković I. , Urlić B.
Published: October 2017

Reactions that occur when a plant is subjected to Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infection often result in triggering of numerous defence mechanisms to fight the infection. The reactions vary according to virus strain, host genotype, time of exposure to the infection and environmental conditions. To date, no study has examined in detail the consequences of 10‐year exposure to CTV infection on the biochemical and physiological status of susceptible Mexican lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia). To understand the reaction of such plants, changes in nutrient status, total proteins, enzyme activity involved in scavenging of reactive oxygen species, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll content, membrane permeability and water content were analysed in plants infected with different CTV isolates and in healthy plants. The activity of superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase significantly decreased in the infected leaves, and membrane permeability was lower in the infected plants. Macro‐ and micronutrient elements were significantly changed: concentrations of leaf nitrogen, zinc, magnesium and iron were elevated but potassium concentration depressed in comparison to noninfected control leaves. Levels of other analysed nutrient elements, enzymes, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content and relative water content were unchanged. Clear physiological changes were found among infected and noninfected control plants but none between plants infected with different CTV isolates. The data suggest that some of the defence mechanisms investigated here were suppressed due to the continuous and long‐term pressure of biotic stress.