bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What drives research in higher education? An Indian context
Authors: Saini Damini , Chaudhary Narendra Singh
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper to explore the factors that act as motivators or demotivators from the perspective of academics in higher educational institutes, especially in the management context.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research methods were employed in this study, which involved in-depth interviews via semi-structured interviews for the collection of data because of little or none of it has been conducted. Qualitative study consisted a naturalistic approach that provided the opportunity to study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of and to understand phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them.

Findings

The study highlighted the motivational and demotivational elements associated with participation in research activity. The following research study found that mostly the motivating factors are centered upon individual, e.g., career growth, whereas the demotivating factors are majorly extrinsic, e.g., mandate policy and framework.

Research limitations/implications

The generalization of this study’s results to circumstances in other parts of the country may not be possible because the target population comprised of the academics working in the institutes of NCR region of India. Further in order to improve the possibility of generalizing the study can be conducted to find differences in relation to the organizations for eg., private and public institutes in higher education.

Originality/value

The study will help the regulatory authorities and employers in higher education to revisit their policy frameworks and come out with the strategies to uplift the motivation level of the teachers to conduct academic research in the fields of their interests. The study will also help to gain deeper insights into the factors that motivate and demotivate teachers to get involved in academic research.
Brand cultural symbolism, brand authenticity, and consumer well-being: the moderating role of cultural involvement
Authors: Jian Yufan , Zhou Zhimin , Zhou Nan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to improve knowledge regarding the complicated relationship among brand cultural symbolism, consumer cultural involvement, brand authenticity and consumer well-being. Although some literature has mentioned the relationship between the above concepts, these relationships have not been confirmed by empirical studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the self-determination theory and the authenticity theory, a causal model of brand cultural symbolism, consumers’ enduring cultural involvement, brand authenticity and consumer well-being is developed. The structural equation model and multiple regressions are used to test the hypothesis. The primary data are based on an online survey conducted in China (N= 533). A total of six brands from the USA, France and China were selected as study samples.

Findings

The data reveal that brand cultural symbolism has a positive relationship with brand authenticity and consumer well-being; brand authenticity partially mediates the relationship between brand cultural symbolism and consumer well-being; and find a weakening effect of consumers’ enduring cultural involvement on the relationship between brand cultural symbolism and brand authenticity.

Research limitations/implications

The weakening effect of consumers’ enduring cultural involvement on the relationship between brand cultural symbols and brand authenticity should be further verified through experiments and the model should be tested in different cultural backgrounds from a cross-cultural perspective.

Practical implications

The present study offers novel insights for brand managers by highlighting brand authenticity as the fundamental principle that explains the effect of cultural symbolism of brands, consumers’ enduring cultural involvement, as well aseudaimonicand hedonic well-being.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that cultural significance of a brand is closely related to brand authenticity and consumer well-being; however, on consumers with a highly enduring cultural involvement, the effect of brand culture symbolism and brand authenticity is weakened. This is an interesting finding because in this case, consumers may measure brand authenticity more based on the brand actual behavior (e.g. brand non-commercial tendency and brand social responsibility) rather than the symbolic image.
Production and maintenance strategies for parallel machines with load transfer in case of failure
Authors: Schutz Jérémie , Chelbi Anis , Rezg Nidhal , Ben Salem Safa
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the problem of integration of production and maintenance policies. In this context, the authors consider production systems made of parallel machines producing a single product over a finite horizon made of equal periods for which a forecasted demand is known. The authors investigate the impact of switching production in case of failure of any given machine.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model is first developed to find an optimal production plan which minimizes the average total storage, shortage and production costs. Then, using this optimal production plan and taking into account the influence of the production rate on the degradation of each machine, optimal preventive maintenance (PM) policies are proposed for the situations with and without switching.

Findings

Optimal production rates are determined for each production period and for each machine. Optimal PM periods are also computed for each machine.

Practical implications

Usually, in manufacturing systems, the production rate of a machine influences its failure rate. In case a machine fails, it takes a random time to repair it during which production is lost. The paper attempts to propose a switching policy (SP) according to which the lost production is compensated by all the other machines. The effects of the SP coupled with the PM strategy are shown through a numerical example.

Originality/value

Contrarily to previous works, the authors consider more realistic settings with a non-negligible random time for repairing failed machines. In order to compensate the lost production during the repair of a failed machine, a SP is proposed to transfer the load uniformly to all the other machines. As a result, those machines will produce at a higher production rate and will consequently have their failure rate increased. It will therefore be essential to determine an optimal PM schedule knowing that durations of these activities are not negligible. It is shown that the simultaneous implementation of periodic PM and load transfer in case of failure is the most economical integrated strategy.
Perceived justice and CSR after service recovery
Authors: La Suna , Choi Beomjoon
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between perceived justice and perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the impact of perceived justice and CSR perceptions on customers’ behavioral responses, such as satisfaction and repatronage intention after service recovery. The authors also investigate the moderating role of service failure severity in the relationship between perceived justice and perceived CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using individually completed questionnaires. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling, and the moderation effects of failure severity in the relationship between perceived justice and perceived CSR were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression models.

Findings

The results suggest a path from satisfaction to CSR perceptions, which indicates that the link between CSR perceptions and satisfaction is reversed in the context of service recovery. The authors further reveal recovery satisfaction in two ways: It has a direct influence on repatronage intentions as well as an indirect influence via perceived CSR. Finally, the results demonstrate that the severity of a service failure intensifies the impact of distributive and procedural justice perceptions on perceived CSR, and perceived CSR serves as a partial mediator in the path from recovery satisfaction to repatronage intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The results demonstrate that perceived justice of service recovery affects perceived CSR after a service failure and that the severity of a service failure moderates the impact of justice perceptions on perceived CSR. However, the possibility of intercausal relationships among distributive, procedural and interactional justice may need to be further explored in future research.

Practical implications

Given that the impact of distributive and procedural justice on CSR perceptions has become more critical as the severity of service failure increases, companies should prioritize allocating a fair amount of monetary compensation in a timely manner, particularly for those who experience a severe service failure.

Originality/value

The authors propose a model of perceived justice – perceived CSR – repatronage intentions within the service recovery context in an attempt to deepen the understanding of the antecedents of repatronage intention and the relationship between repatronage intention and recovery satisfaction following service recovery encounters by introducing perceived justice and CSR. Moreover, the authors discover the moderating effect of service failure severity on the relationship between justice perceptions and perceived CSR.
The impact of information technology and communication systems on the agility of supply chain management systems
Authors: Dehgani Roya , Jafari Navimipour Nima
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The impact of information technology (IT) on the agility of supply chain management (SCM) systems is very noticeable in the business world nowadays. Competition and constant changes, including product/technological innovations, decreasing product lifestyles and product proliferation, create pressure that affects the business environment. Organizations are required for answering the changes in the market to gain a competitive advantage and business success. The organizations are able to answer to unexpected market changes through supply chain market, and these changes are converted to business opportunities. Using IT to achieve the agility of SCM is one of the important factors to help the organizations. Therefore, the adoption of IT and its efficient implementation can improve the cooperation between supply chain agility through the rapid transfer, the distribution of accurate information and the use of information. This paper aims to investigate the impact of IT on the agility of SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 120 employees of the Golasal firm are involved in collecting data using a questionnaire. Measurements were performed in all questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale. The causal model is evaluated by structural equationmodeling technique, which is used to examine the reliability and validity of the model.

Findings

The results have shown that IT has positive influences on the agility of SCM systems. In addition, the obtained results have shown that four variables, namely, IT skills and knowledge, IT-based systems integration, IT infrastructure and design of global position system and geographic information systems, affect the agility of SCM systems.

Originality/value

In this paper, the agility of SCM systems is pointed out and the approach to resolve the problem is applied into a practical example. The presented model provides a complete framework to examine the impact of IT on the agility of SCM systems.
Sparse Bayesian linearized amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion
Authors: Mollajan Amir , Memarian Hossein , Quintal Beatriz
Published: April 2019

The technique of seismic amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion has been widely used to estimate lithology and fluid properties in seismic exploration. The amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion problem is intrinsically ill‐posed and generally stabilized by the use of L2‐norm regularization methods but with drawback of smoothing important boundaries between adjacent layers. In this study, we propose a sparse Bayesian linearized solution for amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion problem to preserve the sharp geological interfaces. In this regard,a prioriconstraint term with two regularization functions is presented: the sparse constraint regularization and the low‐frequency model information. In addition, to obtain high‐resolution reflectivity estimation, the model parameters decorrelation technique combined with dipole decomposition method is employed. We validate the applicability of the presented method by both synthetic and real seismic data from the Gulf of Mexico. The accuracy improvement of the presented method is also confirmed by comparing the results with the commonly used Bayesian linearized amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion.
Total and added sugars consumption in Argentina: Their contribution to daily energy intake. Results from Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS)
Authors: Kovalskys Irina , Cavagnari Brian M. , Favieri Andrea , Zonis Luciana , Guajardo Viviana , Gerardi Alejandro , Fisberg Mauro
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study is to determine the intake of total sugars (TS) and added sugars (AS) in Argentina based on the local data of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of a representative sample of the urban Argentine population (n = 1266). The sample was stratified by age group (15–65 years), gender, geographic region and socioeconomic level (SEL). TS and AS intake were obtained by two 24‐hour recalls (R24) and analysed using the Nutrition Data System for Research Software 2013.

Results

On average, TS consumption in Argentina was 114.3 g/day, accounting for 39.8% of the total carbohydrate intake and 20.6% total energy (TE) intake. Overall, 77.2% of the TS intake consisted of AS (90.4 g/day), contributing to 30.4% of total carbohydrate intake and 15.9%TE. Men consume more TS and AS (in g/day), with no difference in the AS %TE between men and women. The consumption of sugars decreased with age, with adolescents consuming more AS and older adults more intrinsic sugars. The intake of AS was higher in low SEL.

Conclusions

In Argentina, the intake of AS was 50% above the recommendations. Younger and socially vulnerable people are at higher risk of excessive intake.
Progress towards universal health coverage in the context of rheumatic diseases in India
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Thiagarajan Sundararaman , Garg Samir , Danda Debashish
Published: April 2019

Aim

This study aims to measure current situation with regard to access and financial protection towards healthcare for rheumatic diseases (RDs) in India.

Method

The first part of this study is quantitative, and uses the data generated by the 71st Round of National Sample Survey 2014, which measured self‐reported morbidity, choice of provider and utilization of services and out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) incurred on healthcare services in a sample of 65 932 households and 333 104 individuals from all across India. The second qualitative part of the study was done in one sample district to understand the barriers to access and financial protection.

Results

3.5% of all hospitalizations in the preceding one year and 9.9% of all ambulatory care in the preceding 15 days of this study period were due to RDs. Cost of care for RDs was three times higher in private sector. Cost on medicines comprised the largest share in both sectors. 54% of the households faced catastrophic health expenditure at 10% threshold (CHE‐10) and this was nine times higher in private provisioning (OR: 8.8, CI: 6.8‐11.4). 24% of the households had to borrow or sell household assets to meet the hospitalization expenditure. Insurance had marginal impact and it did not help in preventing household from facing CHE‐10 for the lowermost three economic quintiles. There was significant unmet health care needs and lack of continuity of care of RDs in India.

Conclusion

Addressing the gaps in access and financial protection for patients with RDs need greater emphasis in policy as well as implementation, if the country has to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
Comparative mitochondrial proteomic analysis of human large cell lung cancer cell lines with different metastasis potential
Authors: Liu Zhenkun , Xu Song , Li Lu , Zhong Xiaorong , Chen Chun , Fan Yaguang , Shen Wang , Zu Lingling , Xue Feng , Wang Min , Zhou Qinghua
Published: April 2019

Background

Lung cancer is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis and is associated with distant metastasis; however, there are no clinically recognized biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prediction of lung cancer metastasis. We sought to identify the differential mitochondrial protein profiles and understand the molecular mechanisms governing lung cancer metastasis.

Methods

Mitochondrial proteomic analysis was performed to screen and identify the differential mitochondrial protein profiles between human large cell lung cancer cell lines with high (L‐9981) and low (NL‐9980) metastatic potential by two‐dimensional differential gel electrophoresis. Western blot was used to validate the differential mitochondrial proteins from the two cells. Bioinformatic proteome analysis was performed using the Mascot search engine and messenger RNA expression of the 37 genes of the differential mitochondrial proteins were detected by real‐time PCR.

Results

Two hundred and seventeen mitochondrial proteins were differentially expressed between L‐9981 and NL‐9980 cells (P < 0.05). Sixty‐four analyzed proteins were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with database interrogation. Ontology analysis revealed that these proteins were mainly involved in the regulation of translation, amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, cancer invasion and metastasis, oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular signaling pathway, cell cycle, and apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the incorporation of more samples and new datasets will permit the definition of a collection of proteins as potential biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of lung cancer metastasis.
Use of RNase H‐dependent PCR for discrimination and detection of closely related species from environmental DNA
Authors: Rodgers Torrey W. , Olson John R. , Mock Karen E.
Published: April 2019

Species‐specific, probe‐based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays are now commonly used to detect aquatic species from environmental DNA. However, probe‐based qPCR alone does not always provide the specificity needed to distinguish closely related, congeneric species, which may result in amplification of non‐target DNA, causing false positives from eDNA samples.

Here, we developed species‐specific qPCR assays using RNase H‐dependent PCR (rhPCR) for detecting closely related fish species from environmental DNA.

We found that rhPCR allowed us to achieve specificity that was not possible with TaqMan® qPCR alone, and we used these assays for species detection from eDNA samples.

Use of rhPCR will allow species‐specific detection from environmental DNA for a broad range of species including those that occur in sympatry with other closely related, congeneric species, which has not always been possible with probe‐based qPCR alone.
Population pharmacokinetics of immediate‐ and prolonged‐release tacrolimus formulations in liver, kidney and heart transplant recipients
Authors: Lu Zheng , Bonate Peter , Keirns James
Published: April 2019

Aims

Develop a population pharmacokinetics model of tacrolimus in organ transplant recipients receiving twice‐daily, immediate‐release (IR‐T; Prograf) and/or once‐daily, prolonged‐release (PR‐T; Advagraf or Astagraf XL) tacrolimus.

Methods

Tacrolimus concentration–time profiles were analysed from 8 Phase II studies in adult and paediatric liver, kidney and heart transplant patients receiving IR‐T and/or PR‐T. A tacrolimus population pharmacokinetic model, including identification of significant covariates, was developed using NONMEM.

Results

Overall, 23,176 tacrolimus concentration records were obtained from 408 patients. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination described the concentration–time profiles. Tacrolimus absorption rate was 50% slower with PR‐T vs IR‐T. Tacrolimus apparent oral clearance was 44.3 L/h in Whites and 59% higher in Asians. Tacrolimus central volume of distribution was 108 L in males and 55% lower in females; trough concentrations were similar between formulations. Tacrolimus relative bioavailability was similar between formulations (geometric mean ratio PR‐T:IR‐T 95%, 90% confidence intervals: 89%, 101%). Asians had 83% and 51% higher relative bioavailability than Whites and Blacks, respectively, for IR‐T and PR‐T. Whites had 49% and 77% higher relative bioavailability than Blacks for PR‐T and IR‐T, respectively. Blacks had 52% lower relative bioavailability than Whites and Asians for IR‐T and PR‐T. Type of organ transplanted and patient population (adult/paediatric) did not have a significant effect on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics.

Conclusions

This population pharmacokinetic model described data from transplant recipients who received IR‐T and/or PR‐T. Tacrolimus trough concentrations and relative bioavailability were similar between formulations, supporting 1 mg:1 mg conversion from Prograf to Advagraf/Astagraf XL in clinical practice.
A novel MAP3K7CL‐ERG fusion in a molecularly confirmed case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with fibrosarcomatous transformation
Authors: Maloney Nolan , Bridge Julia A. , de Abreu Francine , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Sakellariou Stratigoula , Linos Konstantinos
Published: April 2019

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a translocation‐associated, low‐grade sarcoma with fibroblastic differentiation. It is the most common superficial sarcoma, almost exclusively arising within the dermis. In a minority of cases, there is a transition from the conventional morphology to a fibrosarcomatous pattern, known as a fibrosarcomatous DFSP (FS‐DFSP). Although a number of different molecular alterations have been described to account for this transformation, it remains poorly understood. Herein we report the first case of a FS‐DFSP with a fusion between ERG, an ETS family transcription factor, and MAP3K7CL, a kinase gene rarely observed in fusion gene events.
Designing Knowledge‐In‐Use Assessments to Promote Deeper Learning
Authors: Harris Christopher J. , Krajcik Joseph S. , Pellegrino James W. , DeBarger Angela Haydel
Published: April 2019

Contemporary views on learning highlight that deep learning occurs not simply by accumulating knowledge, but by using and applying knowledge as one engages in disciplinary activity. Increasingly, those concerned with education policy and practice are shifting priorities toward supporting deeper learning by emphasizing the importance of students’ ability to apply knowledge in subject areas. Designers of student assessments are following suit and are taking on the challenge of creating a new generation of assessments. We present a principled approach for designing classroom‐based assessments that not only assess deeper learning, but also provide teachers with critical information about how students are progressing toward achieving ambitious new learning goals. Our approach follows the evidentiary reasoning of evidence‐centered design and builds on research about the important role of knowledge‐in‐use to support student learning. We illustrate our approach in the context of creating tasks that assess students' science proficiency as reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards that are gaining prominence in the United States.
An investigation of the association between hindlimb conformation and suspensory desmopathy in sports horses
Authors: Routh J. , Strang C. , Gilligan S. , Dyson S.
Published: April 2019

Proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) is a common cause of hindlimb lameness in sports horses; anecdotally there is an association with straight hock conformation. The objective of this prospective observational study is to describe hindlimb conformation in horses with and without bilateral PSD. Horses examined over one year with a definitive diagnosis for lameness (based on clinical assessment, response to diagnostic anaesthesia, radiography, ultrasonography ± MRI or scintigraphy), were included (n = 193). Markers were placed on predefined landmarks. Lateral photographs were acquired from the left and right sides with the horse standing squarely, using standardised techniques, with each metatarsus perpendicular to the ground, aligned to the tuber ischii marker. Before data acquisition, repeatability studies for marker placement, horse positioning and angle measurements were performed. The tarsal and metatarsophalangeal angles were measured using Image Measurement. Orthopaedic diagnosis, breed, work discipline, weight, height and age were recorded. Z‐tests, Fisher's exact tests, Chi‐squared tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the associations between diagnosis, tarsal angles and possible confounding variables. Mann Whitney U tests were used to evaluate the relationship between metatarsophalangeal joint angle and suspensory ligament injury. Horses with PSD had larger tarsal angles than controls (P = 0.003). The proportions of Warmblood‐type horses and dressage horses with PSD were different to those of other breeds and work disciplines (P = 0.001, 0.02 respectively). A final logistic regression model demonstrated a significant effect of mean tarsal angle on outcome when breed and weight‐height product were accounted for. There was a an 11% increase in the odds of PSD for every degree increase in tarsal angle (CI 1.006–1.223, P = 0.04). There was no association between suspensory ligament injury and metatarsophalangeal joint angle. Assessment of tarsal angles at prepurchase examinations and prior to surgical treatment of PSD may be advisable.
Modification of the polyphenolic and aromatic fractions of red wines aged on lees assisted with ultrasound
Authors: Del Fresno Juan Manuel , Morata Antonio , Ricardo‐da‐Silva Jorge M. , Escott Carlos , Loira Iris , Lepe José Antonio Suárez‐
Published: April 2019

The ageing on lees is a technique particularly interesting in the production of red wines due to the possibility of enhancing some of their sensory characteristics. Different authors have researched the ultrasound assistance to accelerate this ageing process in wines. The present work evaluated the modification that both fractions, polyphenolic and aromatic, of red wines suffer during the ageing on lees process assisted with ultrasounds and with the addition of oak chips. The results obtained during the experimental design indicate that the ultrasound treatment decreased the concentration of proanthocyanidins (between 20.3% and 32.8% with and without oak chips, respectively) and the total pigment content (with the highest reduction in the control sonicated wine 55.9% without chips and lees and from 47.8% to 48.9% when having oak chips/lees and lees, respectively). In addition, it has been observed that the ultrasound treatment did not affect the amount of fermentative volatile compounds present in the wine but, it increased the concentration of phenolic aldehydes coming from oak wood chips (10.8% in control wine and from 35.92% with oak chips/lees to 55.8% with lees).
Identification of cell and disease specific microRNAs in glomerular pathologies
Authors: Müller‐Deile Janina , Dannenberg Jan , Liu Peidi , Lorenzen Johan , Nyström Jenny , Thum Thomas , Schiffer Mario
Published: April 2019

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in physiological processes as well as in diseases. Currently miRs are already used to find novel mechanisms involved in diseases and in the future, they might serve as diagnostic markers. To identify miRs that play a role in glomerular diseases urinary miR‐screenings are a frequently used tool. However, miRs that are detected in the urine might simply be filtered from the blood stream and could have been produced anywhere in the body, so they might be completely unrelated to the diseases. We performed a combined miR‐screening in pooled urine samples from patients with different glomerular diseases as well as in cultured human podocytes, human mesangial cells, human glomerular endothelial cells and human tubular cells. The miR‐screening in renal cells was done in untreated conditions and after stimulation with TGF‐β. A merge of the detected regulated miRs led us to identify disease‐specific, cell type‐specific and cell stress‐induced miRs. Most miRs were down‐regulated following the stimulation with TGF‐β in all cell types. Up‐regulation of miRs after TGF‐β was cell type‐specific for most miRs. Furthermore, urinary miRs from patients with different glomerular diseases could be assigned to the different renal cell types. Most miRs were specifically regulated in one disease. Only miR‐155 was up‐regulated in all disease urines compared to control and therefore seems to be rather unspecific. In conclusion, a combined urinary and cell miR‐screening can improve the interpretation of screening results. These data are useful to identify novel miRs potentially involved in glomerular diseases.
DNA methylation‐reprogrammed oxytocin receptor underlies insensitivity to oxytocin in pre‐eclamptic placental vasculature
Authors: Fan Xiaorong , Xu Ting , Ding Hongmei , Li Huan , Yang Yuxian , He Yun , Tang Jiaqi , Liu Yanping , Chen Xueyi , Chen Jie , Tao Jianying , Xu Zhice , Gao Qinqin
Published: April 2019

Pre‐eclampsia is associated with inadequate placental blood flow and placental ischaemia. Placental vascular tone is essential for maintaining adequate placental blood flow. Oxytocin is increased in placental system at late pregnancy and onset of labour, and presented strongly concentration‐dependent contractions in placental vascular, suggesting that oxytocin could be involved in regulating placental vascular tone and circulation. However, information about the reactivity of oxytocin in pre‐eclamptic placental vasculature is limited. This study used a large number of human placentas to reveal the pathophysiological changes and its underlying mechanisms of oxytocin‐induced vasoconstrictions in placental vessels under pre‐eclamptic condition. Present study found that oxytocin‐induced contractions were significantly decreased in human pre‐eclamptic placental vasculature, associated with a deactivated transcription of oxytocin receptor gene. The deactivated oxytocin receptor gene transcription was ascribed to a relatively higher DNA methylation status of CpG islands in oxytocin receptor gene promoter. This study was first to reveal that a hyper‐methylation of CpG islands in oxytocin receptor gene promoter, leading to a relatively low pattern of oxytocin receptor expression, was responsible for the decreased sensitivity of oxytocin in pre‐eclamptic placental vessels.
Overexpression of ZEB2‐AS1 promotes epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis by stabilizing ZEB2 mRNA in head neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Diao Pengfei , Ge Han , Song Yue , Wu Yaping , Li Jin , Li Zhongwu , Yang Jianrong , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: April 2019

The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly appreciated as key players underlying tumourigenesis and hold great potentials as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, their roles in head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have remained incompletely known. Here, we sought to reveal the oncogenic roles and clinical significance of a tumour‐associated lncRNA, zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZEB2‐AS1), in HNSCC. ZEB2‐AS1 was aberrantly overexpressed in a fraction of HNSCC samples. Its overexpression significantly associated with large tumour size, cervical node metastasis and reduced overall and disease‐free survival. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO)‐mediated ZEB2‐AS1 depletion markedly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion while triggered apoptosis in HNSCC cells in part via modulating ZEB2 mRNA stability. Enforced overexpression of ZEB2 largely attenuated the phenotypic changes resulted from ZEB2‐AS1 inhibition except the impaired cell proliferation. In addition, ZEB2‐AS1 was required for TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Significantly reduced tumour growth and lung metastasis were observed in ZEB2‐AS1‐depleted cells in HNSCC xenograft animal models. Taken together, our findings reveal that overexpression of ZEB2‐AS1 associates with tumour aggressiveness and unfavourable prognosis by serving as a putative oncogenic lncRNA and a novel prognostic biomarker in HNSCC.
The role of post‐translational modifications in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Yan Kaowen , Wang Kun , Li Peifeng
Published: April 2019

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy involves excessive protein synthesis, increased cardiac myocyte size and ultimately the development of heart failure. Thus, pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases and death in humans. Extensive research in the last decade has revealed that post‐translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, O‐GlcNAcylation, methylation and acetylation, play important roles in pathological cardiac hypertrophy pathways. These PTMs potently mediate myocardial hypertrophy responses via the interaction, stability, degradation, cellular translocation and activation of receptors, adaptors and signal transduction events. These changes occur in response to pathological hypertrophy stimuli. In this review, we summarize the roles of PTMs in regulating the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, PTMs are discussed as potential targets for treating or preventing cardiac hypertrophy.
Philosophical Methodology and Conceptions of Evil Action
Authors: Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie , Norton James
Published: April 2019

There is considerable philosophical dispute about what it takes for an action to be evil. The methodological assumption underlying this dispute is that there is a single, shared folk conception of evil action deployed amongst culturally similar people. Employing empirical research the authors undertook, this article suggests that this assumption is false. There exist, amongst the folk, numerous conceptions of evil action. Hence, the authors argue, philosophical research is most profitably spent in two endeavours. First, in determining which (if any) conception of evil action we have prudential or moral (or both) reason to deploy and, second, in determining whether we could feasibly come to adopt that conception as the single shared conception given our psychological make‐up and the content of the conceptions currently deployed.
Plotinus on Divine Simplicity
Authors: Gavrilyuk Paul L.
Published: April 2019

Gavrilyuk attends to divine simplicity according to the third‐century AD pagan philosopher Plotinus. He shows that Plotinus draws his doctrine of divine simplicity from the earlier Greco‐Roman philosophical tradition, in which the nature of the “first principle” was highly contested. Aristotle offers a history of the early debate, with Anaxagoras being the first to glimpse the first principle’s simplicity. The Platonist philosophers conceived of the first principle as incorporeal, and on these grounds linked the first principle to simplicity. For his part, Aristotle associated simplicity with the absoluteness of pure actuality. The Stoics, with their essentially material understanding of the divine, ignored or denied divine simplicity. Plotinus draws upon the reception of Aristotle that is found in Alexander of Aphrodisias, Numenius, and Ammonius. According to Gavrilyuk, the signal contribution of Plotinus consists in setting forth the strongest possible doctrine of divine simplicity. Indeed, for Plotinus God’s utter simplicity means that God cannot even be thought, because thinking requires the duality of subject‐object. Plotinus conceives of the divine One as above divine Mind (nous), since the latter contains a unified plurality but not the perfect simplicity that marks the unknowable One. Gavilyuk ends his essay with an account of the qualifications made to divine simplicity by philosophers and theologians who are less radical in their doctrine than is Plotinus. He emphasizes that the Enneads’s key metaphysical insight, utterly ruling out any kind of composition from the One, has the benefit of being supremely intellectually coherent and elegant.
Organizational commitment and quality of life at work among public health nurses in Israel
Authors: Aharon Anat A. , Madjar Batya , Kagan Ilya
Published: April 2019

Objective

To test the relationship between job satisfaction, professional self‐image, work environment, organizational commitment (OC), and quality of life at work (QoLW) among public health nurses in Israel. To determine which variables can predict OC and QoLW among public health nurses.

Design and Sample

One hundred and thirty‐two public health nurses participated in this cross‐sectional study with a structured self‐administered questionnaire that examined OC, professional self‐image, job satisfaction, nursing work environment, and QoLW. Pearson correlation tested correlations between variables and multiple regression was conducted to predict OC and QoLW.

Measurements

The five measurements (job satisfaction, professional self‐image, work environment, OC, and QoLW) based on validity questionnaires with high internal confident.

Results

All five variables showed a significant positive correlation. Job satisfaction (t = 5.77, p < 0.001) and nursing work environment (t = 4.55, p < 0.001), contributed significantly to the explanation of OC and QoLW variance. Nursing work environment (t = 6.42, p < 0.01) and job satisfaction (t = 2.99, p < 0.01) were the variables that predicted QoLW.

Conclusions

Nursing managers should be proactive and create a professional environment for nurses to encourage their OC and QoLW as factors that may influence public health nurses.
A geological record of multiple Pleistocene tsunami inundations in an oceanic island: The case of Maio, Cape Verde
Authors: Madeira José , Ramalho Ricardo S. , Hoffmann Dirk L. , Mata João , Moreira Mário
Published: April 2019

In the Central Atlantic archipelagos – the Canaries, Cape Verde, Madeira and the Azores – tsunami hazard is often regarded as low, when compared with other extreme wave events such as hurricanes and storms. The geological record of many of these islands, however, suggests that tsunami hazard may be underestimated, notwithstanding being lower than in areas adjacent to subduction zones, such as the margins of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Moreover, tsunamis in oceanic islands are generally triggered by local large‐scale volcanic flank collapses, for which little is known about their frequency, making it difficult to estimate the probability of a new occurrence. Part of the problem lies in the fact that tsunami deposits are usually difficult to date, and few islands in the world exhibit evidence for repeated tsunami inundation on a protracted timescale. This study reports on the presence of abundant tsunami deposits (conglomerates and sandstones) on Maio Island (Cape Verde) and discusses their stratigraphy, sedimentological characteristics, probable age and tsunamigenic source. Observations indicate that four distinct inundation events of variable magnitude took place during the Pleistocene. One of the tsunami deposits yielded a high‐confidence U/Th age of 78·8 ± 0·9 ka, which overlaps within error with the 73 ± 7 ka age proposed for Fogo volcano's flank collapse, an event known to have had a significant tsunami impact on nearby Santiago Island. This shows that the Fogo tsunami also impacted Maio, resulting in runups in excess of 60 m above coeval sea‐level at ca 120 km from the source. Two older deposits, possibly linked to recurrent flank collapses of the Tope de Coroa volcano in Santo Antão Island, yielded lower‐confidence ages of 479 to 390 ka and 360 to 304 ka. A younger deposit (<78 ka) remains undated. In summary, the geological record of Maio exhibits well‐preserved evidence of repeated tsunami inundation, reinforcing the notion that tsunami hazard is not so low at volcanic archipelagos featuring prominent and highly‐active volcanoes such as in Cape Verde.
Is a platelet suntan the answer?
Authors: Wagner Stephen J. , Getz Todd M.
Published: April 2019

See article on page 1324–1332, in this issue
The prevalence of human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 & 2 (HTLV‐1/2) in South African blood donors
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , Sykes Wendy , Coleman Charl , Custer Brian , Jacobs Genevieve , Jaza Jabulisile , Kaidarova Zhanna , Hlela Carol , Gessain Antoine , Cassar Olivier , Poole Colwyn , Ingram Charlotte , Murphy Edward L. , Reddy Ravi
Published: April 2019

Background and objectives

Donated blood is not currently screened for human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in South Africa. Several small studies have detected HTLV‐1 in South Africa, but prevalence by geographic region or population group is unavailable.

Materials and Methods

We performed a large seroprevalence study of South African blood donors during 3 months in 2013. All geographic regions except the Western Cape were included, and Black and Coloured (local term for mixed race) donors were oversampled. Identity‐unlinked plasma samples were screened with the Abbott Prism HTLV‐1/2 assay, and repeatedly reactive samples were tested by the Inno‐LIA HTLV‐1/2 Score confirmatory assay. Odds ratios were calculated with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 46 752 donors tested, 133 (0·28%) were initially reactive, 111 (0·24%) repeatedly reactive and 57 (0·12%) confirmed positive for HTLV‐1; none were HTLV‐2 positive. Prevalence was 0·062% weighted to annual blood donations but highly concentrated in the Black population group (OR = 20·24 CI: 2·77–147·88); higher in females than males (OR = 1·81 CI: 1·06–3·08); and in donors aged >50 years compared to ages 16–19 (OR = 6·4 CI: 2·95‐13·86). After controlling for age, sex and population group, there was no difference in prevalence between new and repeat blood donors or among geographic regions within South Africa.

Conclusions

We conclude that HTLV‐1 infection is widespread among the Black population of South Africa and its epidemiology is similar to other endemic areas. Because South Africa is increasing its recruitment of Black blood donors, the implications for blood screening require further consideration.
Clinical outcomes after common calcanean tendon rupture repair in dogs with a loop‐suture tenorrhaphy technique and autogenous leukoreduced platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Schulz Kurt S. , Ash Krisitan J. , Cook James L.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To report outcomes of dogs with common calcanean tendon (CCT) ruptures treated with a platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) enhanced nonabsorbable loop‐suture technique.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 12).

Methods

Medical records (2015–2017) of dogs with CCT ruptures repaired with a loop‐suture tenorrhaphy and autogenous leukoreduced PRP were reviewed for signalment, history, type of injury, treatment, and clinical follow‐up. Outcomes were assessed by functional anatomic measurements and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) scores transformed to percentages, with 100% representing no problems.

Results

Twelve tendons were treated. Two dogs had major complications that were successfully revised. Follow‐up was available in 11 of 12 dogs, with a median time of 12 months (range, 4–36), including COI for 11 dogs and anatomic measurements for 6 dogs. Anatomic measurements did not differ between treated and normal contralateral limbs (midthigh muscle mass P > .99, cranial tibial muscle mass P = .37, CCT diameter P = .08, tibiotarsal joint angle P > .99). Owners scored function (COI) as 96.4% (range, 93.3%–97.8%) and quality of life as 94.6% (range, 92%–98.2%).

Conclusion

Loop‐suture tenorrhaphy with application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP at the repair site resulted in restoration of functional anatomic measurements, high COI, and client satisfaction.

Clinical significance

Loop‐suture tenorrhaphy with local application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP appears to offer an acceptable option to treat CCT injuries in dogs.
Effect of Nanocomposite Microstructure on Stochastic Elastic
Properties: An Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Sanei Seyed Hamid Reza , Doles Randall , Ekaitis Tyler
Published: April 2019

This paper addresses the effect of microstructure uncertainties on elastic properties of nanocomposites using finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. Computer-simulated microstructures were generated to reflect the variability observed in nanocomposite microstructures. The effect of waviness, agglomeration, and orientation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. Generated microstructures were converted to image-based 2D FEA models. Two hundred different realizations of microstructures were generated for each microstructure type to capture the stochastic response. The results confirm previously reported findings and experimental results. The results show that for a given fiber volume fraction, CNTs orientation, waviness, and agglomeration result in different elastic properties. It was shown that while a given microstructural feature will improve the elastic property, it will increase the variability in the elastic properties.
Stochastic Dynamic Load Identification on an Uncertain Structure With Correlated System Parameters
Authors: Wu Shaoqing , Sun Yanwei , Li Yanbin , Fei Qingguo
Published: April 2019

A stochastic dynamic load identification algorithm is proposed for an uncertain dynamic system with correlated random system parameters. The stochastic Green's function is adopted to establish the relationship between the Gaussian excitation and the response. The Green's function is approximated by the second-order perturbation method, and orthogonal polynomial chaos bases are adopted to replace the corresponding bases in the Tayler series. The stochastic system responses and the stochastic forces are then represented by the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) and the Karhunen–Loève expansion (KLE), respectively. A unified probabilistic framework for the stochastic dynamic problem is formulated based on the PCE. The stochastic load identification problem of an uncertain dynamic system is then transformed into a stochastic load identification problem of an equivalent deterministic system with the orthogonality of the PCE. Numerical simulations and experimental studies with a cantilever beam under a concentrate stochastic force are conducted to estimate the statistical characteristics of the stochastic load from the stochastic structural response samples. Results show that the proposed method has good accuracy in the identification of force's statistics when the level of uncertainty in the system parameters is not small. Large errors in the identified statistics may occur when the correlation in the random system parameters is neglected. Different correlation lengths for the random system parameters are investigated to show the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.