bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a host collagen inducing factor from the excretory secretory proteins ofTrichinella spiralisusing immunoscreening
Authors: Park Mi Kyung , Kim Hae-Jin , Cho Min Kyoung , Kang Shin Ae , Park So Young , Jang Se Bok , Yu Hak Sun
Published: May 2018

Background

In a previous study, we found thatTrichinella spiralisexcretory and secretory proteins (ES-P) most likely activate collagen synthesis via TGF-β/Smad signaling, and this event could influence collagen capsule formation.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In order to identify the specific collagen inducing factor, ES-P was fractionated by a Superdex 200 10/300 GL column. We obtained three large fractions, F1, F2, and F3, but only F3 had collagen gene inducing ability. After immunoscreening, 10 collagen inducing factor candidates were identified. Among them, TS 15-1 and TS 15-2 were identical to the putative trypsin ofT. spiralis. The deduced TS 15-1 (M.W. = 72 kDa) had two conserved catalytic motifs, an N-terminal Tryp_SPc domain (TS 15- 1n) and a C-terminal Tryp_SPc domain (TS 15-1c). To determine their collagen inducing ability, recombinant proteins (rTS 15-1n and rTS 15-1c) were produced using the pET-28a expression system. TS 15-1 is highly expressed during the muscle larval stage and has strong antigenicity. We determined that rTS 15-1c could elevate collagen I via activation of the TGF-β1 signaling pathwayin vitroandin vivo.

Conclusion/Significance

In conclusion, we identified a host collagen inducing factor fromT. spiralisES-P using immunoscreening and demonstrated its molecular characteristics and functions.

Author Summary

Trichinella spiraliscan make collagen capsules in host muscle cells during its life cycle, which encapsulates muscle stage larvae. Many investigators have tried to reveal the complex mechanism behind this collagen capsule architecture, and it has been suggested that several serine proteases in excretory-secretory proteins of the parasite are potential collagen capsule inducing factors. In addition, collagen synthesis is activated through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and these events are closely related with protease activated receptor 2 which was activated by various serine proteases. In this study, we isolated and characterized a collagen gene expression inducer fromT. spiralisES-P using immunoscreening and investigated the candidate protein for its usefulness as a wound healing therapeutic agent.
Empirical single-cell tracking and cell-fate simulation reveal dual roles of p53 in tumor suppression
Authors: Rancourt Ann , Sato Sachiko , Satoh Masahiko S.
Published: May 2018

The tumor suppressor p53 regulates various stress responses via increasing its cellular levels. The lowest p53 levels occur in unstressed cells; however, the functions of these low levels remain unclear. To investigate the functions, we used empirical single-cell tracking of p53-expressing (Control) cells and cells in which p53 expression was silenced by RNA interference (p53 RNAi). Here we show that p53 RNAi cells underwent more frequent cell death and cell fusion, which further induced multipolar cell division to generate aneuploid progeny. Those results suggest that the low levels of p53 in unstressed cells indeed have a role in suppressing the induction of cell death and the formation of aneuploid cells. We further investigated the impact of p53 silencing by developing an algorithm to simulate the fates of individual cells. Simulation of the fate of aneuploid cells revealed that these cells could propagate to create an aneuploid cell population. In addition, the simulation also revealed that more frequent induction of cell death in p53 RNAi cells under unstressed conditions conferred a disadvantage in terms of population expansion compared with Control cells, resulting in faster expansion of Control cells compared with p53 RNAi cells, leading to Control cells predominating in mixed cell populations. In contrast, the expansion of Control cells, but not p53 RNAi cells, was suppressed when the damage response was induced, allowing p53 RNAi cells to expand their population compared with the Control cells. These results suggest that, although p53 could suppress the formation of aneuploid cells, which could have a role in tumorigenesis, it could also allow the expansion of cells lacking p53 expression when the damage response is induced. p53 may thus play a role in both the suppression and the promotion of malignant cell formation during tumorigenesis.
Prediction of Mutations to Control Pathways Enabling Tumour Cell Invasion with the CoLoMoTo Interactive Notebook (Tutorial)
Authors: Levy Nicolas , Naldi Aurélien , Hernandez Céline , Stoll Gautier , Thieffry Denis , Zinovyev Andrei , Calzone Laurence , Paulevé Loïc
Published: May 2018

Boolean and multi-valued logical formalisms are increasingly used to model complex cellular networks. To ease the development and analysis of logical models, a series of software tools have been proposed, often with specific assets. However, combining these tools typically implies a series of cumbersome software installation and model conversion steps. In this respect, the CoLoMoTo Interactive Notebook provides a joint distribution of several logical modelling software tools, along with an interactive web Python interface easing the chaining of complementary analyses. In this protocol, we demonstrate the assets of this approach through the analysis of a computational model of biological network. Our computational workflow combines (1) the importation of a GINsim model and its display, (2) its format conversion using the Java library BioLQM, (3) the formal prediction of mutations using the OCaml software Pint, (4) the model checking using the C++ software NuSMV, (5) quantitative stochastic simulations using the C++ software MaBoSS, and (6) the visualisation of results using the Python library matplotlib. Starting with a recent Boolean model of the signalling network controlling tumour cell invasion and migration, our model analysis culminates with the prediction of sets of mutations presumably involved in a metastatic phenotype.
(5Z,7Z)-N
5,N
7-Bis(pyridin-2-yl)-5H-6,7-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-diimine
Authors: Posel Maciej , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: May 2018

The whole molecule of the title compound, C16H11N7, is relatively planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.061 Å for all 23 heteroatoms. It exhibits symmetric three-centre (bifurcated) intramolecular hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming 31 helices propagating along the c-axis direction. Within the helices, there is evidence of offset π–π stacking being present [intercentroid distances = 3.648 (6) and 3.832 (6) Å].
Using the learning curve theory in the investigation of on-site craft gangs’ blockwork construction productivity
Authors: Ugulu Rex Asibuodu , Allen Stephen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how on-site blockwork craft gangs’ learning impacts productivity within the production environment on-site to optimise their productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is adopting a quantitative method with the observation of seven craft gangs’ blockwork with an average of five members in each gang, using the learning curve model application in a 17-storey tri-tower construction project in Nigeria. The linear regression method was employed in the analysis stage of this study using labour-recorded productivity time input as the dependent variables.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about the significance of on-site craft gangs’ learning. The overall blockwork craft gangs learning observed at the site level shows an average learning rate of 94.21 per cent resulting in 5.79 per cent improvement gains.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of the study and the research question, the observations in this research study were limited to FCDA construction project in Nigeria. The limitation of this scenario is that the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, there is the need for further study on the learning rate.

Practical implications

This research study includes the implications for the development of on-site blockwork craft gangs learning; the significant impact of learning rate of 94.21 per cent resulting in 5.79 per cent improvement gain can be used in the planning and to fast track the productivity of craft gangs’ construction.

Originality/value

This paper identified the need to improve construction productivity through craft gangs’ on-site learning with the application of the learning curve theory.
Energy efficiency practices for Malaysian green office building occupants
Authors: Ohueri Chukwuka Christian , Enegbuma Wallace Imoudu , Kenley Russell
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Green building construction was adopted as a strategy to reduce energy consumption and the overall impact of the built environment on our natural environment. However, in Malaysia, previous studies have reaffirmed that green office buildings consume a substantial amount of energy, compared to their counterparts in Singapore. Moreover, there is still a significant performance gap between predicted energy measurements and actual operational energy consumption of green office buildings in Malaysia, due to occupants’ behavioural discrepancies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop energy efficiency practices for occupants of green office buildings in Malaysia. The developed practices integrate technology, organisation policy, and occupants’ behavioural strategies, in order to reduce the energy consumption of green office buildings in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research goal, a mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research method was used to collect data from the research population. In total, 53 respondents working in a green office building complex in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia were surveyed using a questionnaire. Additionally, three top management staff of the green office building and two Malaysian construction professionals were interviewed. The study adopted convenience sampling technique in selecting the research respondents. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using SPSS software (version 22) while the interview data were analysed via thematic content analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that the integration of technological strategy (use of BIM tools, sustainable building materials, etc.); organisational strategy (develop, implement and evaluate action plans, use of monitor/control systems, etc.); and occupants behavioural strategy (training, incentives, occupants energy efficiency guide, etc.) will critically reduce energy consumption of green office buildings in Malaysia.

Originality/value

Based on the findings, energy efficiency practices are developed to guide occupants in reducing the energy consumption of green office buildings in Malaysia. This strategy will contribute to reducing the performance gap that exists between predicted energy and actual energy use of green office buildings in Malaysia. However, the developed energy efficiency practices need to be validated to ascertain its workability in the green office building context.
The impact of gender and profit margin on the duration of hiring process for professional service firms
Authors: Agrawal Vikas , Hartman Leigh , Rasberry Clayton , Arbogast Gordon
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of recruiter gender and profit margin on the duration of the hiring process in professional services firms (PSFs).

Design/methodology/approach

In evaluating over 500 recruiting transactions in a PSF, a factorial ANOVA was performed to determine if there is a significant interaction between recruiter gender and profit margin on days it take to fill an open position.

Findings

The results suggest a significant interaction exists between the recruiter gender and profit margin variables in effect on days that it takes to fill an open position. At lower job position profit margins, female recruiters were found to outperform their male counterparts. Conversely, at higher job position profit margins, male recruiters appear to outperform female recruiters.

Research limitations/implications

This research is focused on the duration of the recruiting process and does not address the quality of candidate selection. An evaluation of the quality of candidate selection contrasted with the time it takes to hire should be an essential consideration for future research.

Practical implications

If job vacancies remain vacant at client firms for an extended period, this could adversely impact the financial and reputational health of small PSFs. By focusing on key variables that impact the recruiting timeline, management may be able to consider interventions that would improve both the recruiting process and firm’s financial health.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique contribution by focusing on the recruiting timeline, recruiter gender, profit margin, and the resulting ability of a PSF to proactively manage its revenue.
Improved 2D laser grid mapping by solving mirror reflection uncertainty in SLAM
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Nagla Kuldeep Singh
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Accurate perception of the environment using range sensors such as laser scanner, SONAR, infrared, vision, etc., for the application, such as path planning, localization, autonomous navigation, simultaneously localization and mapping, is a highly challenging area. The reliability of the perception by range sensors relies on the sensor accuracy, precision, sensor model, sensor registration, resolution, etc. Laser scanner is even though accurate and precise but still the efficient and consistent mapping of the environment is yet to be attained because laser scanner gives error as the extrinsic and intrinsic parameters varied which cause specular reflection, refraction, absorption, etc., of the laser beam. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an error analysis in sensory information of laser scanner due to the effect of varying the scanning angle with respect to the optical axis and surface reflectivity or refractive index of the targets. Uncertainties caused by these parameters are reduced by proposing a new technique, tilt mounting system (TMS) with designed filters of tilting the angular position of a laser scanner with the best possible selection of range and scanning angle for the robust occupancy grid mapping. Various experiments are performed in different indoor environments, and the results are validated after the implementation of the TMS approach with designed filters.

Findings

After the implementation of the proposed TMS approach with filters, the errors in the laser grid map are reduced by 15.6 percent, which results in 62.5 percent reduction in the collision of a mobile robot during autonomous navigation in the laser grid map.

Originality/value

The TMS approach with designed filter reduces the effect of variation in intrinsic and extrinsic parameters to generate efficient laser occupancy grid map to achieve collision-free autonomous navigation.
Human motion analysis from UAV video
Authors: Perera Asanka G. , Law Yee Wei , Al-Naji Ali , Chahl Javaan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary solution to address the problem of estimating human pose and trajectory by an aerial robot with a monocular camera in near real time.

Design/methodology/approach

The distinguishing feature of the solution is a dynamic classifier selection architecture. Each video frame is corrected for perspective using projective transformation. Then, a silhouette is extracted as a Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG). The HOG is then classified using a dynamic classifier. A class is defined as a pose-viewpoint pair, and a total of 64 classes are defined to represent a forward walking and turning gait sequence. The dynamic classifier consists of a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier C64 that recognizes all 64 classes, and 64 SVM classifiers that recognize four classes each – these four classes are chosen based on the temporal relationship between them, dictated by the gait sequence.

Findings

The solution provides three main advantages: first, classification is efficient due to dynamic selection (4-class vs 64-class classification). Second, classification errors are confined to neighbors of the true viewpoints. This means a wrongly estimated viewpoint is at most an adjacent viewpoint of the true viewpoint, enabling fast recovery from incorrect estimations. Third, the robust temporal relationship between poses is used to resolve the left-right ambiguities of human silhouettes.

Originality/value

Experiments conducted on both fronto-parallel videos and aerial videos confirm that the solution can achieve accurate pose and trajectory estimation for these different kinds of videos. For example, the “walking on an 8-shaped path” data set (1,652 frames) can achieve the following estimation accuracies: 85 percent for viewpoints and 98.14 percent for poses.
Fuzzy adaptive extended Kalman filter for robot 3D pose estimation
Authors: Deilamsalehy Hanieh , Havens Timothy C.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Estimating the pose – position and orientation – of a moving object such as a robot is a necessary task for many applications, e.g., robot navigation control, environment mapping, and medical applications such as robotic surgery. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel method to fuse the information from several available sensors in order to improve the estimated pose from any individual sensor and calculate a more accurate pose for the moving platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Pose estimation is usually done by collecting the data obtained from several sensors mounted on the object/platform and fusing the acquired information. Assuming that the robot is moving in a three-dimensional (3D) world, its location is completely defined by six degrees of freedom (6DOF): three angles and three position coordinates. Some 3D sensors, such as IMUs and cameras, have been widely used for 3D localization. Yet, there are other sensors, like 2D Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR), which can give a very precise estimation in a 2D plane but they are not employed for 3D estimation since the sensor is unable to obtain the full 6DOF. However, in some applications there is a considerable amount of time in which the robot is almost moving on a plane during the time interval between two sensor readings; e.g., a ground vehicle moving on a flat surface or a drone flying at an almost constant altitude to collect visual data. In this paper a novel method using a “fuzzy inference system” is proposed that employs a 2D LiDAR in a 3D localization algorithm in order to improve the pose estimation accuracy.

Findings

The method determines the trajectory of the robot and the sensor reliability between two readings and based on this information defines the weight of the 2D sensor in the final fused pose by adjusting “extended Kalman filter” parameters. Simulation and real world experiments show that the pose estimation error can be significantly decreased using the proposed method.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first time that a 2D LiDAR has been employed to improve the 3D pose estimation in an unknown environment without any previous knowledge. Simulation and real world experiments show that the pose estimation error can be significantly decreased using the proposed method.
Consumer sensitivity to delivery lead time: a furniture retail case
Authors: Marino Gaetano , Zotteri Giulio , Montagna Francesca
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Short delivery time is a feature that can influence consumers’ purchasing decisions and that retailers compete over fiercely. Accordingly, evaluating the effect of delivery time on demand and identifying marketing-mix variables that alter this relationship may influence retailers’ strategies and impact supply chain (SC) performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was performed in collaboration with the largest furniture retailer in Italy, which provided its sales and inventory data for 19,000 units sold over a six-month period in 32 stores throughout Italy. Data were analysed using logistic regression with fixed effects.

Findings

The value of delivery time for consumers, even in an industry generally characterised by long delivery lead times, is surprisingly high. The evidence reveals that when the delivery time changes from two days to seven days, demand is reduced by 37.5 per cent, although variables related to location and the marketing mix moderate this relationship.

Practical implications

Retailers can use the findings presented herein to drive their inventory and facility planning decisions and support investments in SC integration.

Originality/value

Supply chain management (SCM) studies consider the value of delivery time anecdotally and have neglected empirical estimations of the magnitude of the effects of delivery time on consumer demand. Further, SCM studies have not explored the factors moderating this relationship, although intertemporal choice and service management studies have demonstrated the existence of such factors.
A methodology for a global-local fatigue analysis of ancient riveted metallic bridges
Authors: Leite Regina C.G. , de Jesus Abilio M.P. , Correia José , Raposo Patricia , Jorge Renato N. , Parente Marco Paulo , Calçada Rui
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Recent studies have proposed the application of local fatigue approaches based on fracture mechanics or on strain-life material relations for the fatigue analysis of metallic structures. However, only few studies in the literature apply local approaches in the riveted bridges analysis; although these approaches can be applied to any type of connections, requiring a detailed stress analysis of joints and, consequently, considerable computational resources costs. The approach based on S-N curves, formulated in nominal or net stresses, is more usual in the fatigue analysis of riveted bridges. Due to economic factors, riveted bridges have had their operating life extended, while changes in the transport system over the years have subjected such structures to overloads different from those originally planned. These bridges, most of them centenary, were not originally designed accounting for fatigue damage; they represent an important group of structures that are very likely subjected to significant fatigue damage indexes. These factors make necessary detailed residual fatigue life studies to substantiate the decisions of extend (or not) the operational period of these bridges. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper presents a methodology aiming at applying the local approaches in the fatigue analysis of riveted joints of metallic bridges, through the use of sub-modeling techniques and procedures automation. The use of such techniques made such an application viable by keeping the computational costs involved at a moderate level. The proposed procedures were demonstrated using the Trezói Railway Bridge, located on the Beira Alta line, Portugal, built shortly after the Second World War. The proposed set of procedures allowed, through finite elements analysis, to obtain the relevant stresses to perform local fatigue damage analysis. A global structural model was constructed, using beam elements, and local models of a critical node were built with solid finite elements. The structure is analyzed under the passage of regulatory trains. The details of the modeling performed and the computation of the principal stresses in the vicinity of a node and the tangential/circumferential stresses at the holes of two critical riveted connections of that node are analyzed and a fatigue damage analysis is carried out.

Findings

In the proposed submodelling approach, disassembling the complex riveted nodes into riveted subassemblies allowed the evaluation of the local stresses at riveted holes at an affordable computational cost.

Originality/value

A methodology is proposed to allow the application of local fatigue analysis in real complex riveted joints, mitigating the computational costs that would result from a full model of the node with all rivets.
Building, breaking, overriding…? Migrants and institutional trust in the Danish welfare state
Authors: Fersch Barbara , Breidahl Karen N.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Migrants constitute an interesting case concerning the question of how trust in welfare state institutions can emerge, as one can study their newly built relationships with such institutions in a distinct way. The Danish welfare state can be considered a “high trust” context. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of qualitative interviews with migrants on how institutional trust in the welfare state can emerge with migrants in Denmark as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of a multi-dimensional theoretical concept, this paper provides an analysis of qualitative interviews with migrants on how institutional trust in the welfare state can emerge.

Findings

A perceived experience of distributive justice appears to be of crucial importance for building trust. Furthermore, strong trust in the systemic checks and balances of the welfare state can “override” negative experiences at its access points, that is, welfare state professionals.

Research limitations/implications

Taking into account the relatively limited number of interviews, the presented claims drawn from the empirical material are limited. The aim is to reveal some (new) tendencies that can be investigated in future research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexity of trust-generating mechanisms.
Consumer attitudes and communication in circular fashion
Authors: Vehmas Kaisa , Raudaskoski Anne , Heikkilä Pirjo , Harlin Ali , Mensonen Aino
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumers’ views and expectations on circular clothing. This paper also clarifies how the remanufacturing process should be communicated and circular fashion marketed to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consisted of consumer interviews, utilising an online innovation platform (Owela) to involve consumers and workshops with project partners and with external stakeholders.

Findings

Consumers’ interest towards recycling and sustainable solutions has increased. They appreciate the idea of recycling textile waste to produce new clothes; circular products should become “the new normal”. Consumers are asking for more visible and concrete information about circular clothing and how their behaviour has affected the environmental aspects of textile production. The communication should be timed correctly by using multiple communication channels and also paying attention to the shopping experience. In addition, digital services alongside circular clothing could create additional value for consumers.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, only consumers from Finland were involved. The results might be different in different parts of Europe and especially worldwide.

Originality/value

This study focusses on circular clothing – an area that has not been studied much before. Also, consumers involved in this study were of a different age compared to most of the previous studies, where the focus has been mainly on young college students.
Contingency factors and reshoring drivers in the textile and apparel industry
Authors: Moore Megan E. , Rothenberg Lori , Moser Harry
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between contingency factors and reshoring drivers in the US textile and apparel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data on the reshoring drivers and contingency factors for 140 US textile and apparel companies are analyzed using analysis of proportions.

Findings

The findings show that total annual revenue is significantly related to the reshoring driver of skilled workforce. No significant relationships are present between reshoring drivers and the region of the world reshored from not the region of the USA from which a company operates. There is a significant relationship between market segment and the reshoring driver of manufacturing process. The US production category (reshored, FDI, or kept from offshoring) exhibits a significant relationship with sustainability-related and cost-related reshoring drivers. Quality is a significant driver for reshoring from 2010 to 2016, although decreasing as a reported reason over that time period.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include a focus on one industry, the lack of information to investigate the differences between companies making captive or outsourced reshoring decisions, and the use of companies who publicly announced reshoring.

Practical implications

This study outlines the relationships between contingency factors and reshoring drivers. The results provide companies with information about resources that will be demand (e.g. skilled workers) as well as policies and regulations that may be developed to address concerns such as sustainability.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited number of studies on the relationships between contingency factors and reshoring drivers and contributes to the quantitative research on reshoring drivers.
Network-facilitated green innovation capability development in micro-firms
Authors: Mellett Sinead , Kelliher Felicity , Harrington Denis
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate key criteria underpinning network-facilitated green innovation capability development in micro-firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro-firms, those firms with less than ten full-time employees, need to continuously innovate in order to sustain their business in the emerging green economy. This study uses an interpretive multiple case approach to explore micro-firm owner-manager (O/M) green innovation activities, encompassing O/M views on facilitated network engagement in Ireland and Canada over a 12-month period.

Findings

The findings show that proactive implementation of green innovation is influenced by the O/M’s natural environment orientation and the potential for economic gain, while facilitated networks provide an additional resource that the O/M can draw from that allows the O/M to test new ideas, comprehend new and existing legislation and identify potential supports in pursuit of green innovation capability development within the micro-firm.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a contribution to knowledge in the areas of green innovation, micro-firm capabilities and facilitated network engagement. However, the sample size is small and distance was a challenge, yet data and case protocols are in place which allow for replication of the study. As the research is embedded in the resource and capability theories, alternative theoretical frameworks may shed a different light on the research question.

Originality/value

Prior studies have found that facilitated networks have a positive impact on micro-firm sustainability as these networks enhance the firm’s constrained resource base. The proposed framework can be used as a guideline for support organisations including facilitated networks in assisting micro-firms in reaching their green innovation goals and objectives. It can also be used by micro-firms in the attainment of the green innovation capability.
Public Support for Older Disabled People: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing on Receipt of Disability Benefits and Social Care Subsidy
Authors: Hancock Ruth , Morciano Marcello , Pudney Stephen
Published: May 2018

In England, state support for older people with disabilities consists of a national system of non‐means‐tested cash disability benefits and a locally administered means‐tested system of social care. Evidence on how the combination of the two systems targets those in most need is lacking. We estimate a latent factor structural equation model of disability and receipt of one or both forms of support. The model integrates the measurement of disability and its influence on receipt of state support, allowing for the socio‐economic gradient in disability, and adopts income and wealth constructs appropriate to each part of the model.

We find that receipt of each form of support rises as disability increases, with a strong concentration on the most disabled, especially for local‐authority‐funded care. The overlap between the two programmes is confined to the most disabled. Less than half of recipients of local‐authority‐funded care also receive a disability benefit; a third of those in the top 10 per cent of the disability distribution receive neither form of support. Despite being non‐means‐tested, disability benefits display a degree of income and wealth targeting, as a consequence of the socio‐economic gradient in disability and likely disability benefit claims behaviour. The scope for improving income/wealth targeting of disability benefits by means testing them, as some have suggested, is thus less than might be expected.
Adsorption of Soluble Immunoglobulin‐Type Adhesion Molecules to Cellulose Acetate Beads
Authors: Nishise Shoichi , Takeda Yuji , Nara Hidetoshi , Abe Yasuhiko , Sasaki Yu , Asao Hironobu , Ueno Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2018

Circulating levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) are elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Cellulose acetate (CA) beads are used as carriers for granulocyte and monocyte (GM) adsorptive apheresis (GMA). We investigated the effect of CA beads on sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 plasma concentrations in vitro. Because GM adsorption to CA beads increased with a rise in the incubation temperature in our previous study, peripheral blood was incubated with and without CA beads at 5, 25, 37, or 43 °C and plasma sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 was measured. The sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 concentrations in samples incubated with CA beads were significantly lower than those without CA beads at all four temperatures. However, no significant differences were observed both sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 plasma levels at the four different temperatures after incubation with CA beads. These results suggest that independent of incubation temperature, sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 are likely to adsorb CA beads. These molecules may be a new index for predicting the therapeutic effects of GMA.
International Trade, Real GDP, the Terms of Trade, and the Australian Economy 2011 to 2017
Authors: Hall Alan Ross
Published: May 2018

Since their inception around 1960 the international System of National Accounts (SNA) constant price accounts (chained volumes) have mismeasured real GDP. The domestic production effects of changes in the terms of trade have been excluded and international trade values misreported. Most of the time the SNA mismeasurements have little real effect. But when there are large changes in the terms of trade they become statistically significant. Real GDP estimates may transform into mere counterfactuals. This is particularly so when the terms of trade are declining. After September 2011, did the mismeasurement of international trade hamper the economic management of the Australian economy?
Expression of FcRn receptor in placental tissue and its relationship with IgG levels in term and preterm newborns
Authors: Lozano Natalia A. , Lozano Alejandro , Marini Vanina , Saranz Ricardo J. , Blumberg Richard S. , Baker Kristi , Agresta Maria F. , Ponzio Marina F.
Published: May 2018

Problem

IgG is the only antibody class, that is, actively transferred from the mother to the fetus across the placenta by an active, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) mediated process during pregnancy, conferring passive immunity and protection against infections to the newborn during the first months of life. Preterm infants may not receive sufficient titers of protective antibodies, as most of them are transferred only after the 34th week of gestation. Because of the great importance of this process, we investigated in a clinical setting the placental transmission of IgG antibodies in term and preterm newborns.

Method of study

This work was conducted in 85 woman and their newborns, divided into four groups according to their clinical gestational age (≤37 weeks were considered as preterm). Blood samples were collected from the mothers and their newborns’ umbilical cords to analyze total serum IgG concentrations, and a subgroup of 32 placentas was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to quantify the expression of the FcRn receptor.

Results

Total IgG levels in both mothers and neonates increased significantly through the third trimester of gestation. Regarding the newborns, in all groups, IgG levels exceeded their mother's values by a ~2.4%. A higher expression of FcRn was detected in placentas from newborns at week 36 of gestation onwards.

Conclusion

Our results obtained from clinical samples, were in line with previous descriptions in model systems and confirmed that the IgG transfer from maternal serum to the fetus is positively correlated with FcRn expression in placental tissue throughout gestation.
Robotic resection of recurrent pediatric lipoblastoma
Authors: Criss Cory N , Grant Christa , Ralls Matthew W , Geiger James D
Published: May 2018

This case demonstrates successful resection of a rare, recurrent presacral‐pelvic lipoblastoma in a 19‐year‐old female patient. Because of the anatomical location of the mass and its proximity to vital structures, the robotic approach allowed for both optimal visualization and effective debulking of the mass. Furthermore, with the use of an articulating laparoscopic camera, key visualization of the posterior lateral pelvis was possible. Using a wide breadth of technologies and resources is essential to broadening the surgical armamentarium and achieving resectability in otherwise challenging cases.
Predictors of 1‐ and 2‐year mortality in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Quintana J. M. , González N. , Lázaro S. , Baré M. , Fernández‐de‐Larrea N. , Redondo M. , Briones E. , Escobar A. , Sarasqueta C. , García‐Gutierrez S. , Antón‐Ladislao A. ,   the REDISSEC‐CARESS/CCR group
Published: May 2018

Aim

Tools are needed to aid in the assessment of the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer regarding the risk of medium‐term mortality. The aim of this study was to develop and validate clinical prediction rules for 1‐ and 2‐year mortality in patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

Method

A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who underwent surgery was carried out. The main outcomes were mortality at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Background, clinical parameters and diagnostic test findings were evaluated as possible predictors. Multivariable survival models were used in the statistical analyses.

Results

Predictors of 1‐year mortality were being a current smoker [hazard ratio (HR) 4.98], having a Charlson index adjusted by age > 5 (HR 2.61), the presence of vascular, perineural or lymphatic invasion (HR 3.30), the presence of residual tumour at the operation (R‐stage) (HR 8.64) and TNM stage (HR for TNM IV 5.10) [concordance index (C‐index) 0.799 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89)]. Age greater than 80 years (HR 2.19), being a current smoker (HR 2.20), the pre‐intervention haemoglobin level (HR 2.02), need for blood transfusion (HR 2.12), vascular, perineural or lymphatic invasion (HR 2.59), R‐stage of the operation (HR 6.13) and TNM stage (HR for TNM IV 4.43) were predictors of 2‐year mortality [C‐index 0.779 (0.718–0.840)]. Adjuvant chemotherapy was an additional predictor at both outcome durations.

Conclusion

These clinical parameters show good predictive values and are easy and quick‐to‐use tools to help in clinical decision making.
Diabetes and ischaemic stroke outcome
Authors: MacDougal E. L. , Herman W. H. , Wing J. J. , Morgenstern L. B. , Lisabeth L. D.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To compare all‐cause mortality, stroke recurrence and functional outcomes in people who have experienced stroke, with and without diabetes.

Methods

We captured data on population‐based ischaemic strokes (2006–2012) in Nueces County, Texas. Data were collected from participant interviews and medical records. Differences in cumulative mortality and stroke recurrence risk by diabetes status were estimated at 30 days and 1 year using Cox models. Differences in 90‐day functional outcomes (activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score: range 1–4; higher scores worse) by diabetes status were assessed using Tobit regression. Effect modification by ethnicity was examined.

Results

There were 1301 ischaemic strokes, 46% with history of known diabetes. The median (interquartile range) age was 70 (58–81) years and 61% were Mexican American. People with diabetes were younger and more likely to be Mexican American compared with those without diabetes. After adjustment, diabetes predicted mortality (30‐day hazard ratio 1.44, 95% CI 0.97–2.12; 1‐year hazard ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.09–1.97) but not stroke recurrence (1‐year hazard ratio 1.27, 95% CI 0.78–2.07). People with diabetes had a worse functional outcome score that was explained by cardiovascular risk factors and pre‐stroke factors. Diabetes was not associated with functional outcome in the fully adjusted model (final adjusted activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score difference 0.11, 95% CI –0.07 to 0.30). Effect modification by ethnicity was not significant (P>0.3 for all models).

Conclusions

Diabetes was associated with higher mortality and worse functional outcome but not stroke recurrence. Interventions are needed to decrease the adverse outcomes associated with diabetes, particularly in Mexican‐American people.
Acquiring intensifier variation abroad: Exploring muy and bien in Spain and Mexico
Authors: Kanwit Matthew , Elias Vanessa , Clay Rebecca
Published: May 2018

Research on nativelike variation in second language (L2) systems indicates that learners studying abroad may adapt to regional norms as they build sociolinguistic competence (e.g., Kanwit & Solon, ; Salgado‐Robles, ). Spanish exhibits variation between the intensifiers muy [very] and bien [very] across numerous dialects. Recent research has shown greater preference for bien in Latin America than in Spain (Brown & Cortés‐Torres, ; Kanwit, Terán, & Pisabarro Sarrió, ). Nevertheless, variable intensification in L2 Spanish remains uninvestigated. Data showed that learners studying in Mérida, Mexico, selected bien significantly more than did learners in Oviedo, Spain, at the conclusion of a 6‐week stay abroad. This parallels the significantly higher selection on the same task by local Spaniards compared to local Mexican native speakers. Nonetheless, independent linguistic variables played a less straightforward role.
“I think I sound stupid if I try to use those words”: The role of metapragmatic awareness in the study abroad language classroom
Authors: Fernández Julieta
Published: May 2018

This study investigates the instructional treatment of Argentine Spanish vernacular (i.e., lunfardo), metapragmatic information about its use provided by instructors, and participants’ metapragmatic awareness of vernacular use in a second language (L2) Spanish study abroad (SA) classroom. The participants were 12 American undergraduate students taking Spanish courses at an SA institute in Argentina. The educators were eight university‐level instructors who were native speakers of Argentine Spanish. The analysis triangulates data from classroom observations, classroom materials, a language awareness test, and semi‐structured interviews with the participants. The results indicate that although the L2 instructors provided instruction on the use of vernacular, they appeared to do so without providing sufficient metapragmatic information for the students to understand and use vernacular competently in interactions with locals. The significance of a pedagogical focus on vernacular that begins predeparture and encourages active student participation is discussed.
Childhood central adiposity at ages 5 and 9 shows consistent relationship with that of the maternal grandmother but not other grandparents
Authors: Somerville R. , Khalil H. , Segurado R. , Mehegan J. , Viljoen K. , Heinen M. , Murrin C. , Kelleher C. C.
Published: May 2018

Background

The importance of a life course approach to childhood obesity has been emphasized; however, few studies can prospectively investigate relationships in three‐generation families.

Objective

To prospectively investigate the relationship between grandparental and grandchild waist circumference (WC) at ages 5 and 9 down maternal and paternal lines.

Methods

At baseline in the Lifeways Cross‐Generation Cohort, 1094 children were born to 1082 mothers; 585 were examined at age 5 and 298 at age 9. Of the total 589 children with measured WC, data were also available from 745 grandparents. Child WC was standardized for age and sex, and theory‐based hierarchical linear regression was used.

Results

Maternal grandmother (MGM) WC was predictive of grandchild WC at both time points. At age 5, grandchild's standardized birth weight (B = 0.266, p = 0.001), mother's means tested eligibility for free medical care (B = 1.029, p = 0.001) and grandchild seeing maternal grandparents daily (B = 0.312, p = 0.048) were significant alongside MGM WC (B = 0.015, p = 0.019). At age 9, only MGM WC (B = 0.022, p = 0.033) and mother's WC (B = 0.032, p = 0.005) were significant. Mediation analysis with mother's WC showed significant direct relationship of MGM and grandchild WC.

Conclusions

This prospective cross‐generational cohort shows consistent patterns of association between MGM and grandchild WC, not seen in other grandparental lineages.
Biosimilars
Authors: Barker J.
Published: May 2018

Linked article: This is a commentary on P. Yamauchi et al., pp. 1066–1074 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14812
The evolution of colour polymorphism in British winter‐active Lepidoptera in response to search image use by avian predators
Authors: Weir Jamie C.
Published: May 2018

Phenotypic polymorphism in cryptic species is widespread. This may evolve in response to search image use by predators exerting negative frequency‐dependent selection on intraspecific colour morphs, ‘apostatic selection’. Evidence exists to indicate search image formation by predators and apostatic selection operating on wild prey populations, though not to demonstrate search image use directly resulting in apostatic selection. The present study attempted to address this deficiency, using British Lepidoptera active in winter as a model system. It has been proposed that the typically polymorphic wing colouration of these species represents an anti‐search image adaptation against birds. To test (a) for search image‐driven apostatic selection, dimorphic populations of artificial moth‐like models were established in woodland at varying relative morph frequencies and exposed to predation by natural populations of birds. In addition, to test (b) whether abundance and degree of polymorphism are correlated across British winter‐active moths, as predicted where search image use drives apostatic selection, a series of phylogenetic comparative analyses were conducted. There was a positive relationship between artificial morph frequency and probability of predation, consistent with birds utilizing search images and exerting apostatic selection. Abundance and degree of polymorphism were found to be positively correlated across British Lepidoptera active in winter, though not across all taxonomic groups analysed. This evidence is consistent with polymorphism in this group having evolved in response to search image‐driven apostatic selection and supports the viability of this mechanism as a means by which phenotypic and genetic variation may be maintained in natural populations.