bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cis-topic modelling of single-cell epigenomes
Authors: González-Blas Carmen Bravo , Minnoye Liesbeth , Papasokrati Dafni , Aibar Sara , Hulselmans Gert , Christiaens Valerie , Davie Kristofer , Wouters Jasper , Aerts Stein
Published: July 2018

Single-cell epigenomics provides new opportunities to decipher genomic regulatory programs from heterogeneous samples and dynamic processes. We present a probabilistic framework called cisTopic, to simultaneously discover “cis-regulatory topics” and stable cell states from sparse single-cell epigenomics data. After benchmarking cisTopic on single-cell ATAC-seq data, single-cell DNA methylation data, and semi-simulated single-cell ChIP-seq data, we use cisTopic to predict regulatory programs in the human brain and validate these by aligning them with co-expression networks derived from single-cell RNA-seq data. Next, we performed a time-series single-cell ATAC-seq experiment after SOX10 perturbations in melanoma cultures, where cisTopic revealed dynamic regulatory topics driven by SOX10 and AP-1. Finally, machine learning and enhancer modelling approaches allowed to predict cell type specific SOX10 and SOX9 binding sites based on topic specific co-regulatory motifs. cisTopic is available as an R/Bioconductor package at http://github.com/aertslab/cistopic.
Porcine circovirus 2 uses a multitude of weak binding sites to interact with heparan sulfate, and the interactions do not follow the symmetry of the capsid
Authors: Dhindwal Sonali , Avila Bryant , Feng Shanshan , Khayat Reza
Published: July 2018

Porcine circovirus 2 is the smallest pathogenic virus capable of autonomous replication within its host. Infections result in immunosuppression and subsequent death of the host, and are initiated via the attachment of the PCV2 icosahedral capsid to heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate B glycosaminoglycans on the cell surface. However, the underlying mechanism of structural recognition remains to be explored. Using heparin, a routinely used analog of heparan sulfate, we demonstrate that increasing lengths of heparin exhibit greater affinity towards PCV2. Our competition assays indicate that dextra sulfate (8kDa) has higher affinity than heparin (12kDa), chondroitin sulfate B (41kDa) hyaluronic acid (1.6MDa), and dextran (6kDa) for PCV2. This suggests that polymers high in sulfate content are capable of competing with the PCV2-heparan sulfate interaction, and thus have the potential to inhibit PCV2 infection. Finally, we visualize the interaction between heparin and the PCV2 capsid using cryo-electron microscopy single particle analysis, symmetry expansion, and focused classification. The image reconstructions provide the first example of an asymmetric distribution of heparin on the surface of an icosahedral virus capsid. We demonstrate that each of the 60 capsid subunits that generate theT=1 capsid can bind heparin via one of five binding sites. However, not all of the binding sites are occupied by heparin and only one-to two-thirds of the binding sites are occupied. The binding sites are defined by arginine, lysine, and polar amino acids. Mutating the arginine, lysine, and polar amino acids to alanine diminishes the binding capacity of PCV2 to heparin.

Importance

It has been demonstrated that porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) attaches to cells via heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate B (CSB) glycosaminoglycans; however, the underlying structural mechanism describing the HS/CSB recognition by PCV2 remains to be explored. We use cryo-electron microscopy with single particle analysis, symmetry expansion, and focused classification to visualize the interaction between the PCV2 capsid and heparin, an analog of heparan sulfate, to better than 3.6Å resolution. We observe that the interaction between the PCV2 and heparin does not adhere to the icosahedral symmetry of the capsid. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example where the interaction between heparin and an icosahedral capsid does not follow the symmetry elements of the capsid. Our findings also suggest that anionic polymers such as dextran sulfate may act to inhibit PCV2 infection.
Understanding customer requirements of corrugated industry using Kano model
Authors: Gupta Mahima , Shri Charu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate concerned companies to develop a better understanding of customer needs through reference of Kano model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper facilitates decision-making process for the productive use of strategy management through a case study approach for corrugated industries in India. A hybrid approach is employed by calculating coefficients of satisfaction with S-CR (customer requirements and customer satisfaction (CS)) relationship functions and self-stated importance evaluation.

Findings

Kano’s model provides an effective approach for both industries and academic research in classifying different customer requirements into different categories based on their impact on CS. It empowers to obtain competitive and factual information about customer needs.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in terms of sample size, domain of the study and the coverage of participants.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a valuable Kano approach for concerned organizations and practitioners, to correctly identify customer requirements and channelize their resources in right direction. Fulfilling customer requirements by providing them satisfaction and delight timely is only golden rule for sustaining in this competitive world.
Social enterprises in Palestine: a critical analysis
Authors: Akella Devi , Eid Niveen
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the concept of social enterprises in Palestine. It uses the lens of institutional theory to understand how the political and economic context of the society can influence certain types of entrepreneurial behaviors and be responsible for the emergence of social enterprises. The paper uses a critical perspective to deconstruct social enterprises in Palestine to shed light on reasons for their emergence, motives and agendas.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study design was used to examine the phenomenon of social enterprises. The case study method is valuable in describing the how and why issues of a phenomenon in the present time frame. Two leading social enterprises operating within the Palestinian region were identified. The two enterprises were contacted for a series of interviews (over a period of few months) with their owners and other active members.

Findings

The empirical findings suggest that social enterprise model is still in its embryonic stages in Palestine. Their social mission of community development and sustainability is not completely sincere. The social entrepreneurs were willing to compromise social mission for economic surplus. The national structure, political framework, legal environment, social, cultural and the economic conditions of Palestine have served as suitable launching pads for social enterprises with not so authentic mission of serving the society. It has encouraged entrepreneurial philosophy and behavior, which has masked hidden economic and political agendas with exterior goals of social welfare and community development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper adopts a critical perspective and a qualitative methodology, and this raises the concern if the arguments pertaining to social enterprise raised in this paper can sustain in a developed nation with a stabilized political scenario or whether this alternative ideology is only relevant to underdeveloped countries with unstable, political conditions, such as Palestine.

Practical implications

This paper provides relevant information for students, critical academics and policymakers.

Social implications

The paper argues for a more concise definition for the model of social enterprises. It argues for clear legal guidelines which could monitor the formation of social enterprises in Palestine.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative perspective on social enterprises within a constrained and political unstable economy of Palestine.
Walking the tightrope: gender inclusion as organizational change
Authors: Kulkarni Vaibhavi , Vohra Neharika , Sharma Supriya , Nair Nisha
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The study focuses on the inclusion practices and processes of five large organizations across diverse sectors where women are underrepresented. The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizations facilitate changes in behavior and mindset through formal and informal practices.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews of CEOs, HR team members, and diversity and inclusion leaders in the five organizations were used as data in this study. Coding was done over several rounds via content analysis for the development of themes around how organizations work toward women’s inclusion.

Findings

The findings indicate that in their inclusion practices, all five organizations took into consideration societal biases that often render women at a disadvantage. Some of the cultural biases regarding family role expectations and safety-related norms were recognized and incorporated in their practices, while other gender-based stereotypes impeding inclusivity were addressed with zero tolerance of prejudicial behaviors. Organizations achieved this balance through various communicative practices including lateral and informal communication, generalized and particularized conversations, and creation of alternate spaces for dialogue.

Practical implications

By examining women’s inclusivity initiatives of five large organizations working in India, this study helps create an understanding of how organizations can bring about such change, keeping in mind the societal and cultural context, for a more nuanced and achievable inclusion. This study also demonstrates how informal narratives enable deep-rooted organizational change such as inclusion. Such narratives facilitate in enhancing employee’s readiness to change, thereby laying foundations for a sustained impact.

Originality/value

Very few studies that focus on women’s inclusion practices also take into consideration both the demands of the organization as well as the societal expectations placed upon women. This study highlights how organizations try to manage this tension and refrain from “homogenizing” or fitting women into existing practices and routines.
No one rides for free! Three styles of collaborative consumption
Authors: Guyader Hugo
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on collaborative consumption, that is, the peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange of goods and services facilitated by online platforms. Anchored in the access paradigm, collaborative consumption (e.g. accommodation rental and ridesharing services) differs from commercial services offered by firms (e.g. business-to-customer [B2C] carsharing). The aim of this study is to examine the nuanced styles of collaborative consumption in relation to market-mediated access practices and socially mediated sharing practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the general research trend on mobility services, the context of long-distance ridesharing is chosen. Data collection was conducted using participant observation as peer service provider, 11 ethnographic interviews of consumers and a netnographic study of digital artifacts.

Findings

Using practice theory, ten ridesharing activities were identified. These activities and the nuances in the procedures, understandings and engagements in the ridesharing practice led to the distinction of three styles of collaborative consumption: communal collaborative consumption, which is when participants seek pro-social relationships in belonging to a community; consumerist collaborative consumption, performed by participants who seek status and convenience in the access lifestyle; and opportunistic collaborative consumption, when participants seek to achieve monetary gain or personal benefits from abusive activities.

Originality/value

By taking a phenomenological approach on collaborative consumption, this study adds to the understanding of the sharing economy as embedded in both a utilitarian/commercial economic system and a non-market/communal social system. The three styles of collaborative consumption propose a framework for future studies differentiating P2P exchanges from other practices (i.e. B2C access-based services and sharing).
Adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern in female adolescents
Authors: Neshatbini Tehrani Asal , Farhadnejad Hossein , Salehpour Amin , Moloodi Reza , Hekmatdoost Azita , Rashidkhani Bahram
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To the best of our knowledge, the studies on determining adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) in Iran as a non-Mediterranean country are scarce. Thus, the aim of the study is to determine the adherence to the MDP in a sample of female adolescents who are residents of Tehran, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, 263 female adolescents aged 15-18 years were studied. Information on socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Also, dietary intakes were determined using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to MDP was characterized using Mediterranean-style dietary pattern score (MSDPS).

Findings

Typically, the mean ± SD MSDPS was low in the present study (15.9 ± 5.6). The mean ± SD age and body mass index of the study population was 16.2 ± 0.9 years and 22.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively. In this study, the maximum MSDPS was 34.3, which was only one-third of maximum possible score (100). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that higher MSDPS scores were positively associated with age (standardized β = 0.1; p = 0.006), higher energy intake (standardized β = 0.2; p < 0.001) and marginally higher physical activity (standardized β = 0.1; p = 0.079).

Originality/value

Understanding low adherence to MDP in Tehranian female adolescents can provide basic knowledge to launch systematic programmes for gravitation toward MDP.
The role of customer experience touchpoints in driving loyalty intentions in services
Authors: Ieva Marco , Ziliani Cristina
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The explosion in the number of touchpoints is putting pressure on companies to design omnichannel customer experiences aimed at achieving long-term customer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative importance of 24 touchpoints in contributing to customer loyalty intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by means of a survey on almost 6,000 subjects belonging to the Nielsen consumer panel. Two ordinary least squares regression models with clustered standard errors estimate the relationship between touchpoint exposure – measured in terms of reach, frequency and positivity – and customer loyalty intentions in the mobile service sector.

Findings

Reach has a significant relationship with customer loyalty intentions as far as eight touchpoints are concerned. Positivity, when controlling for frequency of exposure, is related to customer loyalty intentions as far as nine touchpoints are concerned.

Practical implications

Results provide guidance for mobile service providers on customer experience management strategies and specifically on touchpoint prioritization, adaptation, monitoring and design.

Originality/value

This study addresses two relevant research gaps. First, most studies focus on single or a few touchpoints without considering the variety of touchpoints within the customer journey (Lemon and Verhoef, 2016). Second, no studies focus on the relative contribution of touchpoints to customer loyalty intentions (Homburg et al., 2017).
Effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐23 and interleukin‐17A inhibitors on bodyweight and body mass index in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Takamura Saori , Takahashi Aya , Inoue Yumiko , Teraki Yuichi
Published: July 2018

Treatment with tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors has been reported to cause weight gain in patients with psoriasis; however, limited information is available in terms of the effects of interleukin (IL)‐23 and IL‐17A inhibitors on bodyweight (BW) in patients with psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of infliximab, ustekinumab and secukinumab on BW and body mass index (BMI) in patients with psoriasis. We retrospectively examined changes in BW and BMI among patients treated with these biologics at our hospital. At baseline, no significant differences in BW and BMI were observed among the patients treated with infliximab (n = 18), ustekinumab (n = 30) or secukinumab (n = 20). After 7 months of the therapy, significant increases in mean BW (from 71.4 to 74.3 kg) and mean BMI (from 24.7 to 25.7) were observed in the patients treated with infliximab, whereas no significant changes were observed in those treated with ustekinumab (BW, from 70.3 to 70.1 kg; BMI, from 25.4 to 25.3) or secukinumab (BW, from 69.0 to 68.9 kg; BMI, from 25.2 to 25.2). There were no differences in the proportion of the patients who showed 75% or more improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index among the three groups. These results suggest that infliximab increases BW in the patients with psoriasis, whereas ustekinumab and secukinumab do not affect the BW in these patients.
Patients with urticaria are at a higher risk of anaphylaxis: A nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Yong Su‐Boon , Chen Huang‐Hsi , Huang Jing‐Yang , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: July 2018

The clinical features of urticaria and anaphylaxis are similar, and they share common causal immune‐mediated pathways. We aimed to investigate the risk of anaphylaxis among patients with urticaria. A 12‐year population‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted. Investigated subjects were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database by the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. We included 126 031 subjects with newly diagnosed urticaria and 252 062 matched controls between 2000 and 2013. Risk of anaphylaxis among patients with urticaria was calculated by calculating adjusted hazards ratios (HR) after matching for confounding comorbidities. Urticaria was more common in women than it was in men (58% vs 42%), with a peak onset age of 20–40 years. The number of comorbidities including asthma, allergic rhinitis, herpes zoster, hepatitis B and C, rheumatoid arthritis and gout were higher in patients with urticaria than that in age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The crude HR for anaphylaxis among urticaria subjects was 2.883 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.787–2.982; P < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders which have been proposed to increase the risk of anaphylaxis, patients with urticaria were found to be at a significantly high risk of anaphylaxis with an adjusted HR of 2.529 (95% CI, 2.442–2.619; P < 0.001). We conclude that the incidence rate of anaphylaxis is significantly high in patients with urticaria in Taiwan.
Licking the sharp edge of the sword
Authors: Roe Emery
Published: July 2018

This Forum contribution seeks to provide more rigour in the analysis of crisis scenarios involving low probability/high consequence events and their seeming intractabilities in analysis and action.
Do we need a core outcome set for childbirth perineal trauma research? A systematic review of outcome reporting in randomised trials evaluating the management of childbirth trauma
Authors: Pergialiotis V , Durnea C , Elfituri A , Duffy JMN , Doumouchtsis SK ,   International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research, and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women's Health (CHORUS)
Published: July 2018

Background

Selecting appropriate outcomes to reflect both beneficial and harmful effects is a critical step in designing childbirth trauma trials.

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes and outcome measures reported in randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions for childbirth trauma.

Search strategy

Randomised trials were identified by searching bibliographical databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and EMBASE.

Selection criteria

Randomised trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of different techniques in the management of perineal lacerations.

Data collection and analysis

Two researchers independently assessed studies for inclusion, evaluated methodological quality, and extracted the relevant data. Spearman's ρ correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis using the backward stepwise model were used for analysis.

Main results

Forty‐eight randomised trials, reporting data from 20 308 women, were included. Seventeen different interventions were evaluated. Included trials reported 77 different outcomes and 50 different outcome measures. Commonly reported outcomes included pain (34 trials; 70%), wound healing (20 trials; 42%), and anorectal dysfunction (16 trials, 33%). In the multivariate analysis, no relationship was demonstrated between the quality of outcome reporting and year of publication (P = 0.31), journal impact factor (P = 0.49), and methodological quality (P = 0.13).

Conclusion

Outcome reporting in childbirth trauma research is heterogeneous. Developing, disseminating, and implementing a core outcome set in future childbirth trauma research could help address these issues.

Tweetable abstract

Developing @coreoutcomes for childbirth trauma research could help to reduce #research waste.
Lesson planning for diversity
Authors: Black Alison , Lawson Hazel , Norwich Brahm
Published: July 2018

This study investigates how three secondary subject teachers think about and take account of learner diversity in their lesson planning, enactment and reviewing, with a specific focus on pupils designated as having special educational needs (SEN). The study is significant in the context of international moves in contemporary school teaching towards greater personalisation and inclusion. Focussing on three different subject teachers whose lesson planning was nominated as high quality, the study uses a sequence of interviews and lesson observations alongside the analysis of lesson planning artefacts, to present three in‐depth cases and, through cross‐case analysis, to develop a provisional situated model of lesson planning for diversity. Different forms of planning are identified – formal, personal, expanded and in‐flight – which differ with regard to dimensions of purpose, formality, whether recorded, and timing. The teachers understandings of diversity are broader than differences related to SEN, and this relates to different kinds of differentiation, connecting the concerns of special needs education with wider issues of lesson planning for diversity.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Outcomes in Cairo University Hospitals: 6 Years Experience
Authors: Momtaz Mohamed , Fayed Ahmed , Marzouk Khaled , Shaker Amr
Published: July 2018

Therapeutic plasma exchange is used in treating different immunological and non‐immunological diseases. We analyzed the outcome of 308 patients treated by 1783 membrane plasma exchange sessions from January 2011 until January 2017 at Cairo University Hospital. Thrombotic microangiopathies were the commonest indication [73 (23.7%) patients] with response in 63/73 patients (86.3%), followed by systemic vasculitis with pulmonary‐renal involvement [40(13%) patients] with recovery in 32/40 patients (80.0%), Guillain‐Barré syndrome [39(12.7%) patients] with recovery in 30/39 patients (76.9%), myasthenia gravis [31(10.1%) patients] with response in 26/31 patients (83.9%), and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome [28(9.1%) patients] with recovery in only 6/28 patients (21.4%). Complications included hypotension [276/1783 (15.5%) sessions], hypocalcemia [26/308 (8.5%) patients], and 37/308 (12%) patients died. Sepsis caused mortality in 29/37 (78.4%) of patients. In conclusion, our therapeutic plasma exchange experience shows a favorable outcome for thrombotic microangiopathies, systemic vasculitis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain‐Barré syndrome. Sepsis was the leading mortality cause.
Optimization of double‐stranded RNAi intrathoracic injection method in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Kang Seokyoung , Shin Dongyoung , Noh Mi Young , Peters Jill S. , Smartt Chelsea T. , Han Yeon Soo , Hong Young S.
Published: July 2018

RNA interference is widely used to analyze gene functions via phenotypic knockdown of target transcripts in mosquitoes, which transmit numerous mosquito‐borne diseases. Functional analysis of mosquito genes is indispensable to understand and reduce transmission of mosquito‐borne diseases in mosquitoes. Intrathoracic injection of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) remains the simplest and most customizable method in mosquitoes for functional analysis of the genes of interest. However, achieving consistent and effective knockdown by dsRNAi is often elusive and may require extensive optimization. We tested the effectiveness of gene silencing by intrathoracic injection of four different quantities of dsRNA targeting two Aedes aegypti genes, cysteine desulfurylase (Nfs1) and short‐chain dehydrogenase (SDH). We found that Nfs1 gene has a lower expression level upon silencing than SDH gene. In the case of the gene that is easier to silence, Nfs1 gene expression was significantly silenced by all four tested quantities of dsRNA up to 21 days post infection (d.p.i.), but silencing of SDH, the gene that is difficult to silence, was less effective, with knockdown lasting up to 9 d.p.i. only when 1,000 ng of dsRNA was used. Based on our observation, intrathoracic injection of 500 ng of dsRNAs per mosquito is recommended to achieve effective knockdown for well‐silenced transcripts such as Nfs1 for up to 3 weeks. This includes most in vivo bioassays involving arboviral infections in Ae. aegypti. The estimated quantities of dsRNA described in this study should be applicable to most Ae. aegypti dsRNAi studies and thus provide a guideline to develop efficient dsRNAi in other experimental investigations.
Discussion of “Relating Product Prices to Long‐Run Marginal Cost: Evidence from Solar Photovoltaic Modules”
Authors: Parsons John E.
Published: July 2018

My discussion of Reichelstein and Sahoo (2018) is organized into three parts. First, what is the context for this work? That is, what are the energy and climate stakes? Second, what does the paper do? I will re‐work the equation defining the components of long‐run marginal cost to better reflect what is actually estimated and to better highlight some important choices about how the different components are modeled. Third, and most importantly, how do the results inform business decisions and policy choices regarding energy and climate? What more do we need?
Evaluation of glucocorticoid compared with immunoglobulin therapy of severe immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: Response rate and complication
Authors: Xu Xue , Liang Mei‐ying , Dou Sha , Wang Jian‐liu , Zhang Xiao‐hui
Published: July 2018

Problem

Evaluate the response rate of glucocorticoid (GC) and/or immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in severe thrombocytopenia of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) pregnant patients and the influence on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Method of study

This is a prospective observational cohort study. Pregnant ITP patients with platelet count less than 30 × 109/L and their newborn infants participated in this research. Over a 3‐year period, 87 patients were allocated to 4 groups: group 1 (n = 18) were treated by oral prednisone, group 2 (n = 20) with IVIg, group 3 (n = 22) with prednisone/methlyprednisone plus IVIg, and group 4 were non‐treatment controls (n = 27). Diagnosis and therapy were based on guideline from the 2011 American Society of Hematology criteria, and the initial dose of prednisone was 1 mg/kg day. Their newborns were followed up to 1 year old.

Results

The response rate among patients who ever received prednisone therapy was 35.5% (11/31) overall, while the IVIg response rate was 55.9% (19/34). The incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension in GC therapy group was significantly higher than controls (22.2% and 13.6% vs 0%). There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes in treatment groups in comparison with controls. The rate of Neonatal follow‐up within 1 year old was 63%, and there is no evidence indicated intrauterine GC exposure influence the growth and development.

Conclusion

GC therapy of 1 mg/kg for ITP patients during pregnancy is less efficiency than non‐pregnant population and increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders. The use of lower starting doses of prednisone may be suggested for use in pregnancy.
New insights into the efficacy of SR‐16234, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on the growth of murine endometriosis‐like lesions
Authors: Khine Yin Mon , Taniguchi Fuminori , Nagira Kei , Nakamura Kazuomi , Ohbayashi Tetsuya , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Harada Tasuku
Published: July 2018

Problem

To evaluate the effects of SR‐16234 (SR), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), on murine endometriosis‐like lesions.

Method of study

BALB/c mice (n = 53) were used to establish the murine endometriosis model. Ovariectomized, estradiol replaced, 6‐week‐old murine endometriosis model were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without SR (1 mg/kg/d) or vehicle, over a period of 4 weeks. Upon treatment completion, the endometriosis‐like lesions that developed in the abdominal cavity of mice were counted, measured, and collected. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and estrogen receptor (ER) in the lesions was assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the effect of SR on cell proliferation, angiogenic activity, inflammation, and NF‐κB phosphorylation.

Results

Treatment with SR significantly reduced the total number and size of lesions per mouse without inducing endometrial growth. In addition, SR downregulated LPS‐enhanced Vegf, Il‐6, Ptgs‐2, and Ccl‐2 and ER mRNA expression in endometriosis‐like lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a decrease in percentage of positive cells of Ki67, and intensity and rate of positive cells of ERα, CD3, F4/80, PECAM by SR treatment. SR also decreased the expression of NF‐κB p65 and phospho‐NF‐κB p65.

Conclusion

SR has a regressive effect on the development of murine endometriosis‐like lesions.
Measure invariance of Snyder's Dispositional Hope Scale in American and Chinese college students
Authors: Li Zhihua , Mao Xinjie , He Zelin , Zhang Bin , Yin Xiayun
Published: July 2018

The original Snyder's Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS) was applied to 224 American college students and the Chinese version to 255 Chinese college students. Equivalence of the two DHS was tested, including configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance. The results demonstrated that the Snyder's DHS has measurement equivalence between Chinese and American college students; that is, the same psychological structure was measured in Chinese and American college samples. Therefore, cross‐cultural measurements of hope are valid. In addition, Chinese college students and American college students did not differ significantly on the Agency factor of the DHS whereas American students scored significantly higher than did Chinese college students on the Pathways factor. This dissimilarity may be explained by differences in the cultural backgrounds and education systems of the two countries.
The ‘Southernisation’ of development?
Authors: Mawdsley Emma
Published: July 2018

A more polycentric global development landscape has emerged over the past decade or so, rupturing the formerly dominant North–South axis of power and knowledge. This can be traced through more diversified development norms, institutions, imaginaries and actors. This paper looks at one trend within this turbulent field: namely, the ways in which ‘Northern’ donors appear to be increasingly adopting some of the narratives and practices associated with ‘Southern’ development partners. This direction of travel stands in sharp contrast to expectations in the early new millennium that the (so‐called) ‘traditional’ donors would ‘socialise’ the ‘rising powers’ to become ‘responsible donors’. After outlining important caveats about using such cardinal terms, the paper explores three aspects of this ‘North’ to ‘South’ movement. These are (i) the stronger and more explicit claim to ‘win‐win’ development ethics and outcomes; (ii) the (re)turn from ‘poverty reduction’ to ‘economic growth’ as the central analytic of development; and (iii) related to both, the explicit and deepening blurring and blending of development finances and agendas with trade and investment.
Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 producing anti‐yeast substances to improve the aerobic stability of silage
Authors: Liu Qinhua , Lindow Steven E. , Zhang Jianguo
Published: July 2018

Enhancing the aerobic stability of silage is very important in silage production. The objective of this study was to compare the roles of a new bacterial strain Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 with Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso‐1 (LP) and Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 (LB) in improving the aerobic stability of oat silage and identify the anti‐yeast substances produced by them. After ensiled for 45 days, either inoculated silages or control silage were of pH values lower than 4.2. The control and LP inoculated silage had poorer aerobic stability than LB and ZH1 inoculated ones (p < 0.05). ZH1 inoculated silage produced more acetic acid, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid than LB inoculated one and had the best aerobic stability (p < 0.05). In MRS medium, strain ZH1 produced more hexadecanoic acid than LP and LB strains, more benzoic acid than strain LP (p < 0.05), and the equal amount of benzoic acid to LB (p > 0.05). In addition, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid had low minimal inhibitory concentrations to target yeasts in the pure culture. In conclusion, L. parafarraginis ZH1 had stronger anti‐yeast potential and more effectively improved the aerobic stability of silage than other strains used in this study.
Exploring the flap dynamics of the South African HIV subtype C protease in presence of FDA‐approved inhibitors: MD study
Authors: Maphumulo Siyabonga I. , Halder Amit K. , Govender Thavendran , Maseko Sibusiso , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Honarparvar Bahareh , Kruger Hendrik G.
Published: July 2018

HIV‐1 protease (HIV PR) is considered as one of the most attractive targets for the treatment of HIV and the impact of flap dynamics of HIV PR on the binding affinities of protease inhibitors (PIs) is a crucial ongoing research field. Recently, our research group evaluated the binding affinities of different FDA approved PIs against the South African HIV‐1 subtype C (C‐SA) protease (PR). The CSA‐HIV PR displayed weaker binding affinity for most of the clinical PIs compared to HIV‐1 B subtype for West and Central Europe, the Americas. In the current work, the flap dynamics of four different systems of HIV‐1 C‐SA PR complexed to FDA approved second generation PIs and its impact on binding was explored over the molecular dynamic trajectories. It was observed that the interactions of the selected drugs with the binding site residues of the protease may not be the major contributor for affinity towards PIs. Various post‐MD analyses were performed, also entropic contributions, solvation free energies and hydrophobic core formation interactions were studied to assess how the flap dynamics of C‐SA PR which is affected by such factors. From these contributions, large van der Waals interactions and low solvation free energies were found to be major factors for the higher activity of ATV against C‐SA HIV PR. Furthermore, a comparatively stable hydrophobic core may be responsible for higher stability of the PR flaps of the ATV complex. The outcome of this study provides significant guidance to how the flap dynamics of C‐SA PR is affected by various factors as a result of the binding affinity of various protease inhibitors. It will also assist with the design of potent inhibitors against C‐SA HIV PR that apart from binding in the active site of PR can interacts with the flaps to prevent opening of the flaps resulting in inactivation of the protease.
Association between asthma and migraine: A cross‐sectional study of over 110 000 adolescents
Authors: Graif Yael , Shohat Tamy , Machluf Yossy , Farkash Rivka , Chaiter Yoram
Published: July 2018

Background

Epidemiological studies have reported an association between asthma and migraine, mainly in adults.

Objective

To examine the association between specialist‐diagnosed asthma and migraine among adolescents.

Methods

The electronic database of a recruitment center was retrospectively searched for all 17‐year‐old draftees during the years 1987‐2010. Diagnoses of asthma and migraine were made by certified specialists. The prevalence of migraine was compared among draftees with and without asthma. Covariate data on socio‐demographics and associated medical conditions were recorded.

Results

A total of 113 671 adolescents were available for analysis. Asthma was diagnosed among 4.0% and migraine among 1.9%. Migraine was significantly more prevalent among adolescents with asthma [174 of the 4581 subjects (3.8%)] compared to those without asthma [1946 of the 109 090 (1.8%)] [OR = 2.17 (95% CI 1.86‐2.55; P < 0.001)]. Rates of migraine among subjects with and without allergic rhinitis were 6.3% and 1.7%, respectively [OR = 4.04 (95% CI 3.58‐4.56; P < 0.001)]. On multivariate analysis, there was a significant association between migraine and both asthma [OR = 1.42 (95% CI 1.19‐1.68)] and allergic rhinitis [OR = 3.18 (95% CI 2.80‐3.63)]. Other factors significantly associated with migraine were female gender, urban area of residence, recent immigration to Israel, having three or fewer siblings, and abnormal body mass index.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware that asthma and allergic rhinitis are potential risk factors for migraine in adolescents. A combined finding of these conditions and recurrent headache is highly suggestive of migraine and warrants a different diagnosis and treatment approach from sinusitis.
Immediate impact of percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy on right ventricle longitudinal strain in patients of mitral stenosis
Authors: Khanna Roopali , Raghuvanshi Arvind S. , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Kapoor Aditya , Goel Pravin K.
Published: July 2018

Background

Right ventricular (RV) function has prognostic value in terms of survival and symptoms in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The aim of the study was to assess RV function by strain analysis in the patients of mitral stenosis and the effect of percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy (PTMC) on it.

Methods

Eighty patients of severe mitral stenosis without overt right heart failure and normal sinus rhythm undergoing PTMC were included. Conventional echocardiography and RV function by TDI‐derived longitudinal strain and strain rate were assessed prior and 24 hours post PTMC and compared with 40 healthy age‐matched controls.

Results

Eighty subjects (mean age 31 + 10 years, 70% females) were included. Patients with MS had significantly lower RV strain of basal and mid‐free wall, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and RV fractional area change (FAC) as compared to controls. There was a significant increase in pre‐ and post‐PTMC in TAPSE (19.5 ± 2.7 mm vs 21.4 ± 3.3 mm; P < 0.001), RV basal free wall longitudinal strain (−24.4 + 6.1% vs −27.7 + 5.8%; P < 0.001), and right ventricle mid‐free wall longitudinal strain (−25.6 + 5.5% vs −28.6 + 5.1%; P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant change in RV Tei index (0.43 + 0.06 vs 0.41 + 0.03; P = 0.06). There was a significant negative correlation between RV longitudinal strain and right ventricle systolic pressure, left atrium diameter, RV Tei index, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and positive correlation between RV FAC and RV TAPSE.

Conclusion

Patients with severe MS with normal RV systolic function had decreased RV strain, which was significantly increased after a successful PTMC with reduction in afterload.
A rare echocardiographic image of aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated with paravalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm and aorto‐right atrial fistula
Authors: Gurbuz Ahmet Seyfeddin , Alsancak Yakup , Ozcelik Abdullah , Ozer Sumeyye Fatma , Duzenli Mehmet Akif
Published: July 2018

Early infectious endocarditis (IE) occurs in 3% of prosthesis in the first 12 months. Early IE is more aggressive than late prosthetic valve endocarditis. Mortality remains high, despite combined medical and surgical treatment. We present a case of early IE in aortic prosthetic valve complicated with paravalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm and aorto‐ right atrial fistula.
Complex intuitionistic fuzzy power aggregation operators and their applications in multicriteria decision‐making
Authors: Rani Dimple , Garg Harish
Published: July 2018

The objective of this manuscript is to present some aggregation operators for aggregating the different complex intuitionistic fuzzy (CIF) sets by considering the dependency between the pairs of its membership degrees. In the existing studies of fuzzy and its extensions, the uncertainties present in the data are handled with the help of degrees of membership that are the subset of real numbers, which may lose some useful information and hence consequently affect the decision results. A modification to these, complex intuitionistic fuzzy set handles the uncertainties with the degrees whose ranges are extended from real subset to the complex subset with unit disc and hence handle the two‐dimensional information in a single set. Thus, motivated by this, we developed some new power aggregation operators, namely, CIF power averaging, CIF weighted power averaging, CIF ordered weighted power averaging, CIF power geometric, CIF weighted power geometric, and CIF ordered weighted power geometric. Also, some of the desirable properties of these are investigated. Further, based on these operators, a multicriteria decision‐making approach is presented under the CIF set environment. An illustrative example related to the selection of the best alternative(s) is considered to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach and is validated it by comparing their results with the several existing approaches results.
A method to evaluate ductile fracture toughness based on load separation principle
Authors: Bao Chen , Cai Li‐xun , He Guang‐wei , Wu Yuan‐jun
Published: July 2018

In combination with load separation principle, the P‐V curves of blunt‐notched specimens with different stationary cracks can be explicitly expressed as a unified formula. Further, a load separation‐based direct calibration (LSDC) method to predict instantaneous crack size andJ‐resistance curve of growing cracked specimen has been developed. Two specimen configurations, compact tension and single edge‐notched bending, which are made of Cr2Ni2MoV and Q345B, respectively, are employed to verify the validity of LSDC method. The results show that the estimatedJ‐resistance curves are more reasonable in comparison with those obtained by unloading compliance and normalization method.
What defines a river? Modelling the interplay between physical and social driving factors in characterising the waterways in Chile
Authors: Lacy Shaw Nozaki , Di Giminiani Piergiorgio , Mao Luca
Published: July 2018

The categorisation of natural landscape features places a socialised and ordered lens on the landscape. In the case of natural waterways, it creates a regional hydrological vocabulary, based on physical processes and cultural history. This study uses the unique combination of hydrological and cultural characteristics found in Chile to determine the degree to which local waterway classifications of waterways as rivers (río in Spanish) provide insights into the cultural role in perceiving and describing such important landscape elements. The results indicate that waterway classification is strongly influenced by different regional cultural perspectives, which are also affected by their regional climates and specific historical processes of cartographic systematisation and nation‐making. This variety of hydrological vocabularies presents distinct zones of waterway classification throughout Chile, with implications of these differences affecting territorial planning, water management and even international relations.
TNFRSF1A polymorphisms and their role in multiple sclerosis susceptibility and severity in the Slovak population
Authors: Javor Juraj , Shawkatová Ivana , Ďurmanová Vladimíra , Párnická Zuzana , Čierny Daniel , Michalik Jozef , Čopíková‐Cudráková Daniela , Smahová Barbora , Gmitterová Karin , Peterajová Ľubica , Bucová Mária
Published: July 2018

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐mediated signalling plays a key role in inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes leading to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies have highlighted the role of tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A) gene encoding the type 1 TNF receptor in the genetic predisposition to MS. This study aimed to validate the association of TNFRSF1A rs1800693 and rs4149584 polymorphisms with susceptibility to MS in the Slovak population and analyse their influence on age at disease onset, severity, and disability progression. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to genotype both TNFRSF1A polymorphisms in 541 MS patients and 724 healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly increased risk of developing MS for the carriers of rs1800693 C allele (TC + CC vs. TT: pcorr = 0.005; OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.23–2.12), irrespective of sex and carriage of the major MS risk allele HLA‐DRB1*15:01. On the other hand, no association could be found between rs4149584 and MS risk (GA + AA vs. GG: pcorr = 1.00; OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.71–2.21). Moreover, neither polymorphism was significantly associated with age at disease onset, MS Severity Score (MSSS) or MS Progression Index (PI) in any of the inheritance models. In conclusion, our results provide support for a sex‐ and HLA‐DRB1*15:01‐independent association of TNFRSF1A rs1800693 SNP with MS susceptibility, but not with age at disease onset, severity or rate of disability accumulation.
A robust DEA‐centric location‐based decision support system for expanding Recreovía hubs in the city of Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Abolghasem Sepideh , Solano Felipe , Bedoya Claudia D. , Navas Lina P. , Ríos Ana Paola , Pinzón Edwin A. , Medaglia Andrés L. , Sarmiento Olga L.
Published: July 2018

Multisectorial community programs to promote healthy living in public spaces are crucial for building a “culture of health” and could contribute to achieving the specific 2030 agendas of sustainable development goals, including reduction of inequalities; provision of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities; and promotion of just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. In this context, the Recreovía program of Bogotá (Colombia) provides physical activity classes in parks mainly for vulnerable communities. We address the challenge of efficiently locating new Recreovía hubs through a novel robust data envelopment analysis (DEA) centric location‐based decision support system (DSS) that helps the District Institute of Sports and Recreation of Bogotá (IDRD) to locate the best hubs to expand the Recreovía program throughout the city. The tool is applied to analyze different scenarios including one that was implemented in Bogotá and yielded an improvement of 28% in compound monthly growth rate of the average attendance to the hubs.